The picture on the left is the Hollywood Road over decades ago.
Address: Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, H.K.
Hollywood Road is one of the earliest streets built in Hong Kong in 1844 by Royal Engineers. It runs from the west in Sheung Wan, crossing through the northern fringes of Central and Soho. It is believed that the Hollywood road was named by the second governor of Hong Kong, Sir John Francis Davis and it was rumored that the origin of the name came from those holly shrubs once planted along the road.
In 1900s, due to its initial geographical advantages, Hollywood road was situatedclose to the coastline. Chinese traders collected wares from all parts of China to exchange with and sell to other European and British traders. And foreign sailors and merchants would also trade distinctive artefacts and antiques they assembled from inner China before they went back to Europe. It was an explanation for why Hollywood road would turn into an antique market.
Hollywood Road was the place where people could find top quality Chineseantiques, ranging from jade pieces to Ming vases.
In addition, there are some other traditional tourist spots such as Man Mo Temple and Central Police Station along the road. Man Mo Temple is a tribute used to worship God of Literature and God of War and pray for success in civil examinations of Imperial China. Furthermore, another historic significance, the former Central Police Station, is one of the finest physical remains of Hong Kong’s colonial heritage. It will undergo a revitalization process and turn into a heritage, leisure and arts centre.
Apart from filling with all sorts of antique shops and historical architectures, in recent years, Hollywood Road has become a contemporary art district in Hong Kong. With its international popularity, travellers and collectors can easily find art pieces from China’s well-known artists as well as talented new blood. PMQ, a revitalized hub for creative industries, is a newly developed site with design studios, offices and shops. Since 2014, about 100 design enterprises have stationed in PMQ and developed their art businesses.
Hollywood Road is a fusion of ancient and modern features. It is well worth a visit for both antique lovers and travellers!
