Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Island
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The best view over Hong Kong is from the top of Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island (554m/1818ft). The upper station of the Peak Tramway is at 397m/1303ft, and it is a steep and breathtaking ride of only eight minutes from the lower station on Garden Road (at the Murray Building, behind the Hilton Hotel) to the upper one.In clear weather a walk round the top of the hill, which takes about 2 hours, is very rewarding.
To the south and southwest there are views of Hong Kong Island and the offshore islands, and in the evening there are fine sunsets to the west, offering a tempting subject for photographers. The best shots are to be had when darkness falls and the city below becomes a giant sea of twinkling lights.Formerly only foreigners lived on Victoria Peak. It was only after the Second World War that Chinese were allowed to settle in this area. In spring the mountain is frequently shrouded in mist and temperatures can fall quite low. In summer, however, it offers a refreshing change from the oppressive heat of the city below.The area is more commonly referred to as "The Peak" and offers a variety of attractions.
Related Attractions
Peak Tower
Peak Tower, the imposing upper station of the Peak Tower funicular, was designed by the British architect Terry Farrell and completed in 1995. There is also a new shopping center with shops and restaurants. From the observation terrace there is a magnificent view of Victoria and Kowloon. Above this is a restaurant: if you can, get a table at the window.
Ripley's Believe it or Not (closed)
On the 6th floor of the Peak Tower is one of the 27 branches of Ripley's "Believe it or Not!" show, with a display of amusing and unusual (indeed almost incredible) things. A tour of the exhibits takes about half an hour, and will be of particular interest to children - and not only to children.Attraction is permanently closed.
Peak Tramway
This funicular has operated since 1888 without a single accident, making it the oldest and safest means of transport in the city. The "up" and "down" cars counterbalance each other. While the "up" cars are frequently overcrowded, the "down" are usually less full, so visitors are advised to take a taxi or minibus up to the top, and to come down by the cable-railroad - or even walk!