Joanna James
Hollywood Road, contrary to its name, has no link to celebrities. Instead, the area is rife with history. Established when the British colonists ruled, the surrounding's once was a place for smugglers and sailors! Sounds interesting? Here are must visit places close to Hollywood Road.
The famous stone slab street is a part of Pottinger Street which merges with Hollywood Road. The quirky name is due to the rough stone slabs which make up the pedestrianised street. Fashioned to look like out of place teeth, the jutting out stone slabs prevent pedestrians from slipping, while acting as drains to funnel out rain water. Hollywood Road itself is a slice of history. Completed during the rule of the British colonists in 1844, the road was much closer to the waterfront than it is now. Due to its location close to the waterfront then, Hollywood Road was a favoured haunt amongst sailors and smugglers. Stay at Travelodge Central Hollywood, Hong Kong, to be a part of this historical quarter. Besides, hotels in Central Hong Kong are ideal for easy commutes to nearby attractions, restaurants and markets.
The Central Police Station Compound today houses the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Art. The museum is located at the point where Hollywood Road and Pottinger Street merge. The once stronghold for law and order in Central Hong Kong, this vintage collection of 16 buildings extends its roots to 1864. During its era as a citadel for law, the compound consisted of the Victoria Gaol, the area police station and courthouse. Once the prison was decommissioned in 2006, everything else was moved out, making way for the art and heritage centre. Today the galleries are ritzy venues for world class art works, while the dreary jail cells are now chic coffee shops and restaurants.
From Tai Kwun, walk towards Old Bailey Road, located towards the west. Eventually, you will come to the point of Hollywood Road home to the 'Mid-level Escalator'. This escalator runs a total of 2625 feet. The ramp starts from an affluent residential neighbourhood to run all the way to Des Voeux Road Central, which is close to Victoria Harbour. Hence, not only does the escalator travel over 2000 feet, it ascends an elevation of around 443 feet. Once you travel the ramp, you will realise its immense worth since the hilly commute will otherwise be quite a walk.
Walk for a minute towards the west from the Mid-level Escalator and you will come to the iconic Goods of Desire, G.O.D store. Hong Kong's leading fashion goods shop. The goods sold at the chain store focus on everyday life in Hong Kong and encompasses all subjects including food, movie cultures and even street signs. For sale are umbrellas, laptop bags etc.
Spend some time admiring the colourful murals of Hollywood Road. The world renowned wall art on Graham Street is the work of Alex Croft. Walk the length of the street though, and you will see a bevy of other skilfully painted murals. Perfect backgrounds for those Instagram updates of your trip to Hong Kong!
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