A woman tries out the Slide the City facilities at the Central Harbourfront. Photo: Edward Wong

Hongkongers get ready for super slide to ease the summer heat, but it won’t come cheap

Slide enthusiasts will have to pay from HK$180 to HK$580, but organisers still hope that 6,000 visitors will come every day before attraction closes on coming Monday

Sarah Karacs

Published: 6:30pm, 23 Aug 2016

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Hongkongers wanting to see off the sweltering summer heat with a big splash can head down to the Central Harbourfront where a giant slide will be in operation from Wednesday until next Monday.

Local celebrities slid down the slide overlooking the harbour on Tuesday as part of the kick-off ceremony for the final summer family-friendly event of the year before school starts.

Tickets for Slide the City will run between HK$180 AND HK$580. Photo: Edward Wong

Landing in Hong Kong for the second consecutive year, Slide the City is an American entertainment initiative that has seen temporary slides installed in cities across the globe. It was first held in the US in 2013 and has since toured the likes of Canada, Japan, Colombia and Malaysia.

Drawing in 16,000 visitors in Hong Kong last year over a three-day period, organisers hope to welcome 6,000 Hongkongers a day this year over the six days. It will open only in the morning on the final day.

Slide the City will also feature paddling pools, food stalls and DJs playing next to an artificial beach. Photo: Edward Wong

The 10m-tall metal slide covered in green and blue inflatable material is 30 per cent higher than last year.

People can enter the site free of charge during the day, but will have to pay to use the slide, which will cost from HK$180 to HK$580 for a two-hour slot depending on the time of the day.

Slide the City is open until August 29. Photo: Edward Wong

Paddling pools for younger children and stalls selling local delicacies will also be available.

Local musicians will play DJ sets in the evening on a stage next to an artificial beach complete with deckchairs and large plastic balls.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Giant slide in Central will beat the heat – at a price

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