Soho (荷南美食區) Travel Guide, Hong Kong

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Soho (荷南美食區, map) is an entertainment precinct within Central, on Hong Kong Island. The name Soho, which first came into use in Hong Kong in 1996, is derived from "South of Hollywood Road", in similar fashion to how SoHo in New York City got its name. Nonetheless the people who named it probably had Soho entertainment district in London in mind. The area is centred around Staunton Street and Elgin Street.

Soho nightclubs, Central, Hong Kong
Author: Zhoungshong (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

The rejuvenation of Soho is attributed to the Central-Mid-levels Escalator, which opened in 1993, making it easier to reach the area. Until then, Soho was just a grimmy, dilapidated area populated mostly by the elderly. The opening of the escalator resulted in a urban transformation, bringing in restaurants and night clubs to the area. It has the first full time comedy club in Asia.

As with elsewhere in downtown Hong Kong, Soho is a densely developed, congested area with high rises all closely packed together. Most of the buildings here have commercial businesses on the ground level and residences on the upper floors. The flats here were favored by expatriates as it is within walking distance to the business district.

Shelley Street-Staunton Street Intersection, Soho
Author: Lapovims (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

The Democratic Party was against having the area named Soho, preferring to have it called the Elgin/Staunton Street Themed Dining Area, in an affort to dissociate the area with alcohol consumption. It was like trying to empty the ocean.

What to see in Soho

Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum
Museum celebrating the renowned Chinese statesman, housed in Kom Tong Hall at Castle Road.

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