"A Path to Glory – Jin Yong's Centennial Memorial" Expands to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

Park Peninsula is proud to unveil renowned sculptor Ren Zhe's rendering of iconic Jin Yong character

(Hong Kong, 29 May, 2024) With the support from the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Mega Arts and Cultural Events fund, the "A Path to Glory – Jin Yong's Centennial Memorial" event unveiled sculptures of Jin Yong (Dr Louis Cha)'s classic characters by renowned Chinese sculptor Ren Zhe earlier this year in mid-March, with the aims of promoting Hong Kong's tourism, arts and cultural sectors alongside the greats of Chinese literary culture to the world. Exhibiting in sites such as Central's Edinburgh Place and Shatin's Hong Kong Heritage Museum; the Kai Tak Cruise terminal, situated by the sea at the Kai Tak Runway site of the Park Peninsula project, officially joins the roster of satellite venues today with a sculpture of Chen Jinnan from Jin Yong's The Deer and the Cauldron novel. With free public access, this sculpture is part of an homage to the 100th anniversary of Jin Yong's birth, and seeks to draw inbound tourism, and elevate visitor's experience of Hong Kong with pieces of Chinese culture.

Today's opening ceremony and media conference at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal included the following officiating guests: Mr Hu Guang Pei, Kowloon Sub-office Director, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R.; Ms Vivian Sum Fong-kwang, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau; sculptor Mr Ren Zhe; Kowloon City District Council members Mr Cheung King-fan and Mr Lam Pok, as well as representatives from the nine developers involved in the Park Peninsula project.

Ms Vivian Sum Fong-kwang, Commissioner for Tourism at the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, said: "Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, besides being a fundamental location for Hong Kong's cruise industry, is also a site that can be rented by groups and organisers to conduct diverse programmes. The Rooftop Park is also a favourite for rest and leisure. This exhibit marks the first collaboration between Kai Tak Runway's stakeholders and the cultural industries, and is sure to inspire many more potential activities in the future."

Mr Mark Hahn, spokesperson for Park Peninsula said: "The Hong Kong S.A.R. government's proposed "Energizing East Kowloon" development initiative in 2011 aims to realise the East Kowloon district as Hong Kong's second central business district (CBD2), so as to support Hong Kong's economic growth and fortify its competitiveness on the world stage. The nine developers comprising of the Chinachem Group, China Overseas Land and Investment, Empire Group, Far, East Consortium International, Henderson Land Development, K Wah International, New World Development, Sun Hung Kai Properties and Wheelock Properties have jointly set up a non-profit private company, the "Kai Tak Runway Private Development Company Limited", to fully support this development initiative for the Kai Tak Runway site. In the long run, we hope to further bolster market confidence in the core values and future developments of this site, elevate quality of life, continue the legacy of Kai Tak Runway, construct a better future for the city, and promote charitable causes for the betterment of society."

Mr Hahn continued: "Kai Tak Runway has seen great transformation in the last two to three years, and development is gradually taking shape. The neighbouring Kai Tak Sports Ground, which is slated for opening in the early half of 2025, alongside the Kai Tak Water Sports Center, are venues that we anticipate will play host to many great water activities, as well as sports and entertainment mega events in the future. The future inclusion of hotels and retail on the Runway site will diversify and enhance the quality of life at this waterfront site. The Park Peninsula project spans approximately 45 hectares that encompasses four major waterfront parks, including Metro Park, Kai Tak Runway Park, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park and Kai Tak Sky Garden, and an 11-km-long waterfront promenade. Encircled on three sides by the water, our vision for this prime location is for it to become an attractive and relaxing leisure destination with an unparalleled view of the Victoria Harbour. As stakeholders of Kai Tak Runway, we are thrilled to support the satellite display of "A Path to Glory – Jin Yong's Centennial Memorial" event in bringing arts and culture to locals and tourists alike, and are fully committed to the development of East Kowloon for the city's future."

As an integral location of East Kowloon, the Kai Tak Runway site and its adjoining old Kai Tak Airport North Apron includes Kai Tak Sports Park, various hotels and large-scale shopping malls, serving the hundreds ofthousands of travellers passing through the Cruise Terminal annually. With arts and cultural programmes such as the ongoing Jin Yong character sculpture exhibit, Park Peninsula is primed to become Hong Kong's next iconic landmark — a must-visit photogenic destination for locals and visitors, serving at the forefront of the city's mega event and tourism economies as a hub for exciting business opportunities. Flanked on three sides by the sea, offering an unparalleled view of Victoria Harbour, and featuring a large and spacious environment for lifestyle and leisure activities, Kai Tak Runway is sure to become a favourite of city residents in the future.

The Jin Yong character sculpture exhibit at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is available from today to 24 October, and is located on the second floor of the North Podium Garden. Visitors can get up-close and personal with the majestic and dignified sculpture of Chen Jinnan, master of protagonist Wei Xiaobao from The Deer and the Cauldron, and experience the life-sized chivalry of a beloved and iconic hero Jin Yong hero. Besides Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the organiser is also exhibiting the other character sculptures of Guo Jing, The Golden Snake Warrior, The Sweeper Monk and more in key locations throughout Hong Kong, including the ports of Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal, and landmarks alongside Victoria Harbour including Edinburgh Place in Central and West Kowloon Cultural District.

About the Kai Tak Runway Private Development Company Limited

In line with the Hong Kong Government's implementation of "Energizing Kowloon East", nine property developers, namely Chinachem Group, China Overseas, Empire Group 3 Holdings, Far East Consortium, Henderson Land, K. Wah International, New World Development, Sun Hung Kai Properties and Wheelock Properties (listed in alphabetical order), have jointly formed a non-profit private company — "Kai Tak Runway Private Development Company Limited" (Company), pledging a common vision for Kai Tak Runway's long term development and transforming Kowloon East into Hong Kong's second CBD. As a part of the "Energizing Kowloon East" initiative, the Company will proactively cooperate and solicit different stakeholders and Government departments through publicprivate partnerships to reinforce long-term core values and confidence in future developments, enhancing Hong Kong's overall quality of life, and jointly thriving and building a brighter future for our city.

Adhering to the common vision of developing Hong Kong's second CBD in Kowloon East and building a high-quality living environment, the Company integrates the developments of nine property developers on the Runway to create a brand new comprehensive and diversified destination in Hong Kong — Park Peninsula, located on the rare world-class waterfront, adjoined by 3 shore-lines, and further reinforcing the unique setting of the only green area floating on the Victoria Harbour.