Five things I KNOW about the Star Ferry:
Being a Hong Kong’s admirer and a photographer, I wanted to share with you guys what I know about the sailing icon of Hong Kong, the Star Ferry. There is much more to it than just being an aesthetically pleasing transportation (not that it isn’t) that carries passengers across the harbour. Here are my five things I know about the Star Ferry and hopefully you will learn a bit more about Hong Kong.
1. Duration of the ride: It’s been reduced
Since the beginning the area making up Hong Kong was reshaped and altered with land reclamation. This changed the duration of the ferry ride that crosses the harbour. Originally, taking 25 minutes to go from Central to TST, however, now it has been reduced to 8-10 minutes making it an excellent choice for commuters.
2. Design Feature: Double-ended
Did you know that the Star Ferry is a double-ended boat? Both ends of the ferry can be used to be piloted so it doesn’t require the captain to turn the ship in order to go back and forth. Since the design was introduced in 1897, it is still being used today.
3. Design Feature: Reversible Chairs
Star ferry is the definition of when practicality and aestheticism meet together. Star ferry introduces us to the wooden reversible chairs where the back swings back and forth depending on the travel direction. On the top deck they are made of wood with a star etched onto the seat. Evidence of this adjustable seat design can be traced as far back as 1904. When you go to ride the Star Ferry next time, why don’t you try reversing the back of the seat to get a better view of Hong Kong?
4. The Star
Morning Star, Evening Star, Rising Star, Night Star, and Twinkling Star… All of them are named along with a star. Why? Because the founder, Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, loved this line from British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson’s Crossing the Bar: “Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me!” Isn’t that sweet?
5. The Green Colour
If Hong Kong was a colour, the deep green would definitely be in the list along with the iconic taxi red. Many historical objects, including the Star Ferry, are painted in this shade of green because of the cheap dark green paint after World War. Prior to this, the paints were used for military and tank wheels. This phenomenon was found across foreign countries as well as a result of post-war economic depression. Next time, try spotting other green painted objects in Hong Kong!
When was the last time you rode the Star Ferry? Our unique 3D Star Ferry frames help keep the memories alive on your walls.
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Come Wander with me in the streets of Hong Kong and we can ride the Star Ferry while learning the best way to capture the beautiful skyline in a Street Photography Workshop