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Hong Kong from the Air
Hong Kong now has a new large ultramodern multi-billion dollar airport designed by Sir Norman Foster and built on filled ground at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island. The new terminal is among world's largest enclosed spaces and dwarfs its predecessor in every way. Chek Lap Kok opened somewhat hesitatingly in the summer of 1998. It is connected to Kowloon and Central though a marvelously efficient system that crosses one of the world's longest combination highway/rail bridges. The new airport replaced the venerable Kai Tak airport in Kowloon, where conditions were crowded, lines were long, arrivals and departures were delayed, and whose landing patterns disturbed much of the city population.
The old airport, however, swooping in as it did low over the city and seemingly just skimming the harbor—depending on the wind—did provide unforgettable views of Hong Kong, some of which are shown here.
Hong Kong from the Peak
Click on the above images to enlarge
The major financial district in the northern part of Hong Kong Island known as Central. The landscape is constantly changing, as perfectly sound buildings are replaced by taller and "more modern" structures almost on a monthly schedule. It is interesting to trace the evolution of the Hong Kong architecture in this region from the Peak. This series shows some of the architectural evolution of Hong Kong. DO note the date of the photograph. The most fascinating way to the Peak is on the Peak Tram, inaugurated in 1885, as you varied scenery from tropical vegetation to the evolving landscape of the island.
Bibliography:
All images copyright 2000-2002
Professor Robert D. Fiala of Concordia University, Nebraska, USA
Text by Robert D. Fiala.