Hollywood works its magic wherever it appears. In the United States, it is the glittering magnet that draws movie star hopefuls to the sunny state of California. In Hong Kong, Hollywood Road is where shoppers gravitate to when interested in Asian antiques, furniture, objets d' art and Hong Kong history.

Only minutes from the steel-and-glass of Hong Kong's high-tech financial hub in Central district, Hollywood Road presents another world altogether. The sights and smells, the window displays of old furniture, Asian art and rare carpets, recall times past. One can almost picture what it must have been like, back in 1843, when Hollywood Road was named for the Chinese holly trees then growing in abundance on the surrounding mountainsides. On Hollywood Road, the focus is on antiques, from the genuine, guaranteed pieces to the "if -you-think-this-is-real-you-are-certifiably-crazy" junque.

Starting off Hollywood Road in fine fashion is The Red Cabinet. Specializing in class Chinese antique furniture from the late Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911 AD) dynasties, the shop is a treasure trove for tourists looking for Asian-influenced items to enhance their home décor. The wooden candleholders, trays, cases and chests never fail to thrill visitors. The Red Cabinet's speciality is trading in authentic furniture pieces crafted and used more than 100 to 150 years ago. The collection includes a wide range of hard and soft wood beds, desks, tables, chests and screens. Pictures of the pieces in their original and unrestored conditions are provided for reference and as proof of authenticity.

For those with exacting tastes, The Red Cabinet will custom build a piece of furniture to their exact description. With magazines and books to provide guidelines and ideas, clients choose their design. In just four weeks plus shipping time, the one of a kind piece will arrive at their door.

William Chiang's antique shop, ChinArt Central, has been specializing in softwood pieces since it opened its doors in 1982. The shop chiefly carries pieces from the Qing Dynasty. "Given China's history of turmoil, wars and revolutions, it is hardly surprising that furniture was and revolutions, it is hardly surprising that furniture was often destroyed," Mr Chiang says. Besides providing restorative work, ChinaArt also treats all softwood pieces to meet possible climatic changes in their new homes overseas.

Honeychurch Antiques Ltd has the atmosphere of the quintessential antique shop. Run by American expatriates Glenn and Lucille Vessa for 28 years, Honeychurch reflects its long-term presence in the region in the variety and range of its one-of-a kind wares. There are silver pieces from China, Japan, India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Mongolia and Bhutan. The three floors of the shop also contain Asian furniture, and porcelain ceramics from Han and Tang Dynasties, and later 19th and early 20th century pieces.

"Art you can live with" is the motto of Wah Tung China, one of the finest ceramic suppliers in Hong Kong. The shop boasts a wide range of porcelain in elegant styles, from Neolithic times to the Qing Dynasty. The shop's three floors contain ceramics in a huge variety of sizes, colours and prices. Meticulously duplicated auction pieces and other imitation precious ware are available at a fraction of the price of the originals. An activity that visitors at Wah Tung China particularly enjoy is creating custom-made Chinese porcelain lamps.

One man's garbage is another man's treasure. Enjoy glorious browsing at shops and roadside stalls that offer rummage sale items including jadeite, old collector's item magazines, coins, abacuses, jars and prints hanging in every conceivable nook and cranny.

A lifelong love for antiques and Chinese art prompted Dragon Culture owner Victor Choi to open a shop where "other could share on his passion for collecting". The gallery name reflects the owner's aspirations to preserve and contribute to the culture of the dragon, that is China. The gallery motto is: We bring you Chinese antiques as well as history and culture. By looking after the antiques they acquire, customers are contributing towards the protection and preservation of Chinese culture, Mr Choi points out.

Collecting Chinese art should not be a privilege to be enjoyed by the rich only," says Mr Choi, whose carefully trained staff ensure that customers receive expert guidance when choosing from Dragon Culture's wide range of authentic pieces covering the Neolithic, Shang, Han, Tang and Ming dynasties. Pieces include bronze vessels, wood carvings, pottery horses, jadeite, snuff bottles and ceramics figures. Printed descriptions of historic highlights of the various dynasties enhance the customers' interest and appreciation of the shop's valuable contents.

Mr Choi admits to feelings of regret in the past whenever he had to part with a favorite piece. But with the passage of time, he has learnt to be philosophical about losing treasured items to customers. "I realize I cannot keep it all to myself. Of course, I am sorry to see the pieces go, but at the same time I'm pleased my clients love them more than they love their money."