Avenue of Stars Viewing Platform Becomes 'Rat Avenue' After Dark
AM730 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A video circulating on social media on November 9, 2026, captured a disturbing scene at the Avenue of Stars viewing platform in Tsim Sha Tsui: more than 20 rats were seen running freely across the ground, steps, and flower beds in the area after dark. The footage, posted on Threads in the early hours of Monday, quickly drew widespread attention and criticism from netizens who described the location as a "rat tourist zone." The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department confirmed it has received 16 complaints related to rat sightings at the Avenue of Stars viewing platform this year and has been working with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to address the issue through joint inspections and technical recommendations .
Key Points
- Over 20 rats were filmed roaming the Avenue of Stars viewing platform on the night of November 8 into November 9, 2026, visible on the ground, steps, and flower beds
- The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has received 16 complaints about rat sightings at this location so far this year
- The department has conducted multiple joint inspections with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and provided technical advice including adding barriers, bait points, trimming vegetation, and sealing rat holes
- Netizens commented that rat problems have worsened across Hong Kong, with sightings in restaurants, parks, and streets becoming more frequent
- The department emphasized that venue management departments must take proactive responsibility for daily inspections, environmental cleaning, and contractor supervision
Why It Matters
The Avenue of Stars is one of Hong Kong's most iconic tourist attractions, and a severe rat infestation at this landmark risks damaging the city's international reputation as a clean metropolis. This incident reflects a broader rat problem across Hong Kong, with residents reporting increasingly frequent sightings not just at tourist spots but also in residential areas, food premises, and public parks, highlighting systemic challenges in pest management that require coordinated efforts between government departments and the public .
The Avenue of Stars is one of Hong Kong's most iconic tourist attractions, and a severe rat infestation at this landmark risks damaging the city's international reputation as a clean metropolis. This incident reflects a broader rat problem across Hong Kong, with residents reporting increasingly frequent sightings not just at tourist spots but also in residential areas, food premises, and public parks, highlighting systemic challenges in pest management that require coordinated efforts between government departments and the public .