Victoria Peak - the Place to Enjoy the Best Hong Kong Skyline

History about Victoria Peak & the Tram

Featuring the temperate climate and the panoramic view over the city, Victoria Peak was attracted European residents in the early 19th century, even the sixth Governor of Hong Kong had a summer residence built on the Peak. At that time, the main transportation for those residents to up and down is the sedan chair, which was carried by men. Later, the Peak Tram funicular replaced sedan chair in 1888 and totally changed the peak for good.

In 1904, although Victoria Peak was served as an exclusive residential area for foreign upper class elites and foreign embassies, the Peak Tram was reserved for passengers in and out.

The accessibility for Victoria Peak caused by the opening of the Peak Tram, allowed frequent contact for outside. Besides, depending on its geographical advantage, Victoria Peak embraced more visitors streamed during that period. Until today, it becomes a top attraction in Hong Kong for tourists to enjoy a fabulous vista above the skyscrapers of the city and experience this upmarket residential area with modern Peak Tower building.

The Peak Tower - the Landmark

The Peak Tower, built in the top of the peak, is one of the modern stylish architectural symbols in Hong Kong with its bowl-shaped design. With various sightseeing sites and dazzling array of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, it’s the tourist center.

Featuring the highest 360° viewing platform, called The Sky Terrace 428 on the top for 428 meters above sea level, it offers spectacular panoramic views of stunning cityscape and wonderful landscape. Besides, the Peak Historical Gallery, like a time machine takes you back to 19th and 20th century to find the history treasure of Hong Kong. With more than 200 memorabilia exhibited, the replica of the first generation Peak Tram, can be the historical heritage, witnessed this city’s changes for 120 years, since served Hong Kong in 1888. The gallery is like a brief history book for tourists to get a glimpse of how this city comes to shine. The Madame Tussauds with over 100 celebrities’ wax statues represents the modernity with local difference for you to enjoy a unique Madame Tussauds in Hong Kong.

Note: Visit the Peak Tower is free for everyone, but the Peak Historical Gallery is free only for Peak Tram passengers from Lower Terminus, and Madame Tussauds needs additional fees to visit.

Taking Peak Tram

Taking the Peak Tram is an absolutely lifetime experience to appreciate the unique spectacular perspective of this city.

Following the world's oldest and most famous funicular railways, pulled by two iron cables, the tram of 2 carriages, rises to 396 meters (about 1,300 feet) above sea level with a steep up to 45 degrees. Sitting in the tram, you can view the buildings flashing by appear to fall toward The Peak, which is a spectacular visual illusion. When it turns down to the steepest section, you may feel you are flying, which is fun. At the same time, you can enjoy a full view of city and the green landscape warts and all.

Built in 1881, the peak tram still keeps its original form. As the No.1 historical transportation in Hong Kong, it is more than just itself. By offering a thrilling journey, it carries the history as well. So if interested about the tram history, the Peak Historical Gallery can’t be miss out when you visit the Peak Tower.

Nature Walks around the Peak

If you want some leisure way to appreciate the amazing skyline of Hong Kong, having a nature walks around the enveloping road the peak will never let you down. Towards downhill is the Lugard Road, with 20 minutes’ walking way. Whether you come for sunrise or sunset, the night view or the fireworks, Lugard Road is the perfect site to offer a superb experience once you walked inside and great location to taking photos. Then you can turn left to Xiali Road and back to the peak, where you are greeted by tropical forests and extensive birdlife. Winding through mountainous landscape, the whole way will take 1.5 hours or you can just walk the Lugard Road back and forth, according to your condition. And remember to wear comfortable shoes.

Recommended Tours to Enjoy Victoria Peak:

>> 1 Day Classic Hong Kong Tour

>> 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour

>> 3 Days Hong Kong In-depth Tour with Escorted Walking Experience

Local transfer to get to /off the Peak

There are several ways to get to/off the Peak, and riding the tram up and down is the best option to enjoy the scenery and experience this old transfer. Also taking bus, taxi or drive private car are accessible. Check the details below.

By Tram: As the typical local transport, the peak tram can be taken at Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus to the summit for 7 minutes. And before take the tram, you may take bus or taxi to the lower terminus.

By Bus: take Route No. 15 bus, which is directly to the peak from Central Pier 5 on Mondays to Fridays; And you can take Route No. 15 B to the peak at Causeway Bay on Sundays and Public Holidays only.

By Taxi: the Peak is also accessible by taxi and private car via the circuitous Peak Road.

Note: the bus system in Hong Kong is a little bit complicated, so if you know a little or nothing, taking taxi to tour around is better. For more local transfer information, please contact us for details.