Walking Tour: Hollywood Road

Everyone can use a little more Hong Kong in their life, so I am launching a new feature: Hong Kong Walking Tours. Each Wednesday (HK time) I'll take you on little photographic tours of the city and surrounding islands. Each one will start at an easy to find landmark or public transport stop and end at a good coffee shop or eatery. To kick off the tours, I'd like to introduce you to Hollywood Road.

Start out at the old Hong Kong Police Complex in Central. Notice the mid-levels escalator to your right.

The escalator makes a right turn and runs along Hollywood Road for one block before turning up into Soho (South of Hollywood Road).

As you walk along the road, notice the work that is constantly being done as more restaurants and shops go in and out of business.

If you get bread delivered to your restaurant don't worry; they'll leave if for you if you're not in.

Of course this is Hong Kong, so expect to see merchandise from around the world.

Just in case you need to get your bearings, we're at the intersection of Hollywood, Graham and Lyndhurst Terrace.

To your right you can catch a glimpse of the markets on Graham.

To your left, get ready for the antique shops.

But first, some potatoes...

...and a modern gallery.

Hollywood Road is known for its antique shops.

And there are plenty of them

I don't think this is a shop, but those are some cool statues.

Here's a bookstore on your left that mostly sells stationary.

You will see a few trees in Hong Kong.

This one is particularly cool.

And there are some nice shady little streets to your right, tiny oases in the busy city.

And of course, there are more antique shops.

Look through the windows at gold and bronze figurines, at vases and jade and ivory treasures.

A well-protected primary school will remind you of the realities of city life.

And a well-placed sign will remind you where you are.

Look for reminders of the sacred...

...and the modern

Hollywood Road has more than a touch of class.

Most of the shops are as good as museums.

Every once in a while you will catch a glimpse of the sky.

Just in case you forgot where we are.

On your left, you'll see Man Mo Temple one of the few remaining temples this close to Central.

On your right you'll see an empty playground.

Take a peek down Ladder Street at the beginning of the Cat Street Antique Market. That will be the subject of another walking tour.

Hollywood Road has more than enough antique shops for now.

 

You will see statues in every shape and size.

Don't forget to look up every once in a while.

Look down, too.

Keep your eyes open for that old world charm.

We are nearing the end of our tour.

When Hollywood Road starts to curve around to the left, get ready to cross the street.

Try to snap a picture of the guys having tea before you do, but don't let them see you.

Take one last look at the eclectic street...

...then zoom in on the coffee.

Finish up your tour at the Java Java Coffee and Tea Lounge at 188 Hollywood Road. Drink in the ambiance and the iced coffee in this exquisitely decorated little shop. The antiques and books that fill the shelves make this the perfect bookend to your Hollywood Road tour.

Come back next week for another Hong Kong walking tour!