The Peak, or more accurately Victoria Peak, is the perfect place to start and end your visit to Hong Kong. Bring a detailed map with you to this vantage point at the top of Hong Kong Island to plan your daily itineraries. From The Peak you’ll see the giant skyscrapers of Central, Kowloon and Aberdeen as well as some of the surrounding islands.
Try to identify individual elements of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Look for the curved rooflines of the Hong Kong Convention Centre overlooking the busy harbour. Watch for the Star Ferry shuttling tourists and commuters between Hong Kong and Kowloon. Find distinctive architecture including I.M. Pei’s 1989 Bank of China Tower and the 2010 International Commerce Centre, rising 1,588 feet (484 metres) above Kowloon. Gaze away from the concentrated urban areas to appreciate the extensive green forested areas of Hong Kong’s country parks.
The Peak is 1,811 feet (552 metres) tall, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. In the late 1800s, European residents built homes atop Victoria Peak to escape the tropical heat at harbour level. Historically residents were carried up in sedan chairs. Since 1888, visitors have taken the Peak Tram, a 0.9-mile (1.4-kilometre) funicular railway from Central. The steep ride through Mid-levels provides entertainment as well as transportation. You can also take a bus or taxi or drive a private car and use the ample paid indoor parking lot.
The Peak Tower features a 360-degree view from the Sky Terrace at 1,400 feet (428 metres) above sea level as well as several restaurants and shops including Madame Tussaud’s. Next door, the Peak Galleria has even more restaurants and boutiques. Pick up souvenirs or fine art, get an ic cream cone and sit outside watching the multi-colored programmed fountain while you wait for a taxi.
Reserve a table with a view for the final dinner of your Hong Kong visit and watch the city light up. Take a 40-minute walk along Lugard and Harlech Roads to enjoy the views from The Peak far above the city to create a lasting magical memory of your Asian adventure.
