In pictures: Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal opened in 1966, marrying marine pier with mall
Ocean Terminal was visited by Queen Elizabeth, with the most luxurious cruise liners and navy ships alike docking at the pier
When Ocean Terminal opened in March 1966, it was the world’s first marine pier integrated with a shopping centre and Asia’s first American-style shopping mall. Beyond being Hong Kong’s first cruise terminal, it quickly became a beloved gathering place, where families strolled the decks and crowds came to watch New Year fireworks and admire the skyline.
Through the years, Ocean Terminal and Harbour City have been interchangeable. The sprawling complex has grown into a maze of malls and arcades – known as “greater Harbour City” – that also encompasses Ocean Centre, floors of the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, the Gateway and even a bridge to Star House.
Roar trip: Singapore football fans land in Hong Kong for historic Asian Cup clash
2,000 Singaporeans expected to turn up for winner-takes-all qualifier against hosts at Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday night
Hundreds of Singaporean football fans have flown into Hong Kong for what some call the city state’s biggest match when the Lions take on the hosts on Tuesday for a place at the 2027 Asian Cup.
“Singapore has not qualified for the Asian Cup since 1984, when we hosted the games,” said Chue Guo-xian, who works in the sports industry. “So this is probably the biggest match in our national team’s history.”
Chue, who is in his late thirties, said he would be gearing up for Tuesday’s qualifier, carrying a large national flag and wearing the jersey of the national team, also known as the Lions.
He and his wife plan to stay in the city until Thursday before heading to Shenzhen for three more days.
They are among about 2,000 Singaporean fans expected to turn up at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday night to witness history, including those working or living in Hong Kong.
JJ Lin, a finance worker in his late thirties from Singapore who has lived in Hong Kong for more than seven years, said he would congratulate whichever team won, but his heart remained with his home side.
