...........................
............................................................................................................................
Wanchai, in the late 1940s was a hangout for sailors from America, Australia, New Zealand as well as for thousands of merchant marines from hundreds of countries. Today, Wanchai still lives on its reputation. Wanchai girls still stands around bar-doors and give a perfunctory "pssst" to potential customers but they’re sadly overwhelmed by newer and more palatable and exotic noctural delight. Wanchai "red light district" now plays second fiddle to more liberated nightlife venues such as gaudy bug hostess clubs, topless bars, discos, and raucous English-style pubs. Some attraction places in Wanchai are :
- Hong Kong Arts
Centre, opened in 1977 has 15 floors of
auditoria, rehearsal rooms, theatre workshops,
and the offices of numerous cultural
organisations. On any given night, the
centre may be presenting a Shakepearean
play, a Japanese kabuki ensemble or a
Humphrey Bogart and Marlene Dietrich films.
- Academy
for Performing Arts (APA), the territory’s newest
cultural addition. Its theatres could also be
staging anything from a Broadway show to a
ballet while its classroom turn out Hong
Kong’s future actors,
dancers, directors and cameramen.
- Fenwick Peir, where
the warships disgorge their sailors on R&R is
behind the APA. This section has the HK$3
billion Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition
Centre, a vast centre which includes the
Grand Hyatt and New World Harbour View
Hotels as well as Hong Kong’s tallest
building, Central Plaza, which is 374 metres is
the fifth highest in the world.
- Queen Elizabeth
Sports Stadium, opened in 1978 at a cost of HK$50
million, has a seating capacity of 3,500 and
hosts anything from Saddler’s Wells Ballet
to basketball games. Nearby is the Government
Sport Stadium which is the scene of regular
football match.
- Pak Tai Temple,
home to the 3 metres copper image of Pak Tai
deitie. Pak Tai was a Chinese prince who
practised perfection nearly 3,000 years ago. When
he died he was invited to become a god and was
appointed the Commander of the Twelve
Heavenly Legions.
- Chai Kung Woot Fat Temple, or the Temple of the Living Buddha. Here visitors, who have overcome illnesses leave offering in the form of mirrors with lucky inscription.
@ Copyright by REGIT Sdn Bhd. All rights reserved