Victoria Peak, overlooking the west of Hong Kong Island, is the highest peak on this island. It has been regarded as the symbol of Hong Kong since its opening to the outside world.

The peak rises 1,805 feet above sea level. In the early colonial rule, Victoria Peak was accessible only to Hong Kongs high society while the common could visit the peak by permit from the colonys governor. Today, Victoria Peak is a world -renowned scenic spot. By ascending the peak you come to experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the harbor, Kowloon Peninsula and the hills beyond.

The Peak is the most enduring tourist attraction in Hong Kong, with the citys oldest transport, the 112-year old Peak Tram and Hong Kongs icon and most unusual building, Peak Tower.

Moreover, the peak offers visitors fantastic entertainment, dining and shopping options. You find a wide selection of restaurants and boutiques selling souvenirs, clothes, and gifts in the Peak Galleria and the Peak Tower.

Peak Tram

The Peak Tram, Hong Kongs famous funicular railway began operation in May 1888 and has served Hong Kong successfully for well over a century.

The Peak Tram, which carves a steep 373-meter (about 1224 feet), takes people up and down the hillside, and has been maintaining a safe reputation since its first operation. These cars are pulled by 1,500m steel cables wound on drums.

The track is 1400 meters (4592 feet) long. It runs along the shortest yet most scenic route to the Peak, taking about 7 minutes. The steepest incline, at May Road, is 27 degrees to the horizon. The Peak Tram is both quick and safe, because it is run on a computerized electric drive system. It automatically does a safety check before every trip.

The Peak is a great place for walks, with its forests of bamboo and fern, Lilliputian Chinese pines, hibiscus, and vines of phenomenal beauty. Visitors should start from Lugard Road, which begins just opposite the Peak Trams upper terminus at 395m above sea level. Atop the hill, visitors will be greeted with some of the worlds finest views that stretch all the way to China and Macau. The hike from Lugard Road to Harlech Road, which presents views of the harbor, takes about two hours to complete. Hikes from Green Island and Peng Chau to the north, and Lantau and Macau to the west will also take about the same time.

Peak Tower

Peak Tower sits at an elevation of over 396 meters (about 1299 feet) with a commanding view of the spectacular Victoria Harbor, Kowloon and the New Territories. Commissioned in 1993 and completed in May of 1997, the tower is a center of catering and amusement. The most spectacular attraction is the wonder hall, which is called "Believe it or not". It is the unique chain museum in the world, constructed by Robert L. Ripley in 1930. Inside the hall you see exhibits portraying the adventurous events experienced by Ripley. There are primitive forest, beauty taking sun bath, frenzied car, turning tunnel, shark aquarium, ultimate cruel torture, marvelous spectacles of human race and animals, complete works of tongue twister and mass media fun station etc.