Tourism chiefs are stepping up their drive to promote Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan as artistic and recreational attraction for art lovers in the region.
The Tourism Board wants to "evolve" the area into something similar to Samcheong-dong in Seoul, famed for its traditional Korean houses, cafes and art galleries.
"We want to expand Hong Kong's appeal to tourists," a board spokeswoman said. "Short-haul tourist promotion in the past have targeted women on shopping, because men don't shop. But men would visit Hong Kong for art and green [scenery]."
As part of Hong Kong Arts Month, around 35 art galleries in Hollywood Road will open until 10pm on Thursday, with visitors being given the chance to attend talks and meet artists in person.
Hollywood Road gallery owner Angela Li, a vice-president of the Hong Kong Art Gallery Association, welcomed the board's plan for the area. "Next to my gallery is an antiques shop that never opens, the one next to it sells Chinese roast pork, and we also have shops selling coffins and furniture. I think this kind of combination of shops is more attractive to tourists," Li said.
