Victoria Peak

Skyline View from Peak Tower

With over 6 million annual visitors The Peak (太平山頂) is Hong Kong's number one tourist destination. It offers one of the most spectacular scenic views in the world and should not be neglected by anyone visiting Hong Kong. At its summit, the unusually shaped Peak Tower is one of Hong Kong's landmark buildings. While at The Peak, the visitor has a chance to enjoy a revitalising walk through the hillside's blooming vegetation, proving that Hong Kong is much more to an overdeveloped and overpopulated city.

Panoramic View from the Peak Tram

The journey towards the summit begins with The Peak Tram; a seven minute vertical ride which has been in operation since 1888. This is the most spectacular way to reach The Peak as it offers breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Victoria Harbour. The rail ride is quite steep as the Tram climbs 373 meters, hauled by massive steel cables. The track is 1,365 meters long and the gradient ranges between 4 and 27 degrees. The Peak Tram, initially operated by coal fired steam boilers is now powered by an electrical system since 1926. Cameras and camcorders should be at hand in order to ensure that the overwhelming scenic views will not be missed from the photo album.

Whilst at The Peak, Madame Tussauds, situated on the second level of The Peak Tower is probably the best place to start. Recently being renovated and reopened in March 2006, this would be an unforgettable experience for celebrity fans, as there are over 100 wax figures of Hong Kong and International celebrities, including Albert Einstein, Bruce Lee, Michelle Yeoh and Princess Diana to name but a few. The top level of The Peak Tower is another chance to capture the scenic Hong Kong. Restaurants and souvenir shops can also be found around.

Just outside The Peak Tower a different side of Hong Kong awaits to be explored. A path stretching through hillside woodland offers a pleasant walk, preferably at late noon as the temperature will be lower. Grabbing an ice cream and a bottle of water, especially during the summer months, from the nearby Haagen-Dazs is a good idea.

The Peak will take approximately half day to explore. The Peak Tram runs every day, at 15 minute intervals, including Sundays and public holidays between 7:00am and 12:00 midnight. The Peak Tram terminal is within walking distance from the MTR Central Station (J2 exit). Alternatively, there is a plethora of regular bus services operated by First Bus and Citybus. More details concerning relevant bus timetables and admissions tickets are available at The Peak website.