ENG-2010 — Page 364

306 Travel and Tourism

themed village is located. It also links up other famous tourist attractions such as the Tian Tan Buddha, commonly known as the 'Big Buddha', the Po Lin Monastery, the Ngong Ping Piazza, the Wisdom Path, the quaint fishing village of Tai O and enticing beaches on the southern part of the island.

In September, Ngong Ping 360 won the prestigious Gold Award 2010 for Corporate Environmental Programme presented by the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

Ngong Ping Piazza

The Ngong Ping Piazza, covering an area of about 1.5 hectares, opened in August. It has four components, namely:

• the new Pai Lau (an iconic feature set at the entrance of the piazza which was built in the Northern architectural style of the Qing Dynasty),

⚫ the Di Tan (an open space facing the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha

where religious ceremonies are held occasionally),

• the Bodhi Path (a central walkway stretching from the new Pai Lau to Di Tan, lined on both sides with religious stone statues and lotus-shaped lanterns) and

• a Chinese landscaped garden.

The piazza has strong Buddhist characteristics. It blends in with the religious. ambience of Ngong Ping and links up the various tourist attractions there, including Po Lin Monastery, the Giant Buddha, Ngong Ping 360 cable car, Ngong Ping Village and Wisdom Path. The piazza enables visitors to better explore Ngong Ping, a popular tourist spot characterised by its religious setting and beautiful natural scenery, in a coherent manner.

Projects in the Pipeline

A plan is being drawn up to rejuvenate traditional tourist spots across Hong Kong. It includes a promenade to be built on the Lei Yue Mun waterfront and landing steps for people disembarking there from sight-seeing vessels. Lei Yue Mun is a former fishing village famous for its seafood restaurants, well patronised by local and overseas visitors.

The Government plans also to improve the promenades on both sides of Aberdeen Harbour as well as Ap Lei Chau Main Street and adjacent streets. The aim is to enhance Aberdeen's tourism appeal by bringing out the unique features of the traditional fishermen's village of Aberdeen and enhancing its overall appearance as well as the area's tourist facilities.

Also being planned is a piazza to be built behind the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier to link up the area's attractions, cultural facilities and the activities.

Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a statutory Government subvented organisation, responsible for marketing and promoting Hong Kong around the world