Anyone visiting Hong Kong must ride the Peak Tram at least once to reach the Victoria Peak. Sure it is a bit of a touristy thing, judging from the long lines of people waiting to ride it. Originating in 1888, the Peak Tram was established to transport residents who were fortunate enough to live atop the cooler Victoria Peak. Imagine the good old days when locals had to walk up this steep hill every day!
Each tramcar on this funicular railway can carry 120 passengers, including a good many standing. The lower terminal is 28 meters above sea level, while the upper terminal is 396 meters above sea level. The track is 1.365 meters long with a gradient ranging between 4 to 27 degrees, so you will really feel like you are going uphill (or downhill). Look out the windows and see the spectacular views of Hong Kong at some wacky angles. There are some intermediate stops for locals, but you want to go to the top.
The views from Victoria Peak are simply smashing. The upper tram terminal is a bit off from the actual summit, which is an easy hike away from here. Most visitors do not bother to go here, as the peak itself has changed radically over the years thanks to an onslaught of new buildings. When I was here years ago, the goal was to walk to the old-fashioned Lions Pavilion lookout that was decorated in a Chinese style. Nowadays the Peak Galleria and the Peak Tower have supplanted the bright red pavilion as the lookouts of choice.
The Peak Tower was designed by noted British architect Terry Farrell. It has the appearance of a space-age anvil, and it is filled with touristy shops, restaurants, and also a Madame Tussauds and a Ripley’s Believe It or Not. I cannot let these other things distract me from some of the most spectacular urban views in the world. The viewing terrace on Level 5 is fine, but the views are even better in the nearby Peak Galleria. Although the shops are less famous and flashy here, there are distinct north and south terraces offering a variety of brilliant panoramic vistas. If your batteries die out, run into the grocery store here for reasonably priced replacements.
The opening hours of the Peak run from 7am to midnight. Try to enjoy the Peak by day and by night as well. The fireworks shows from here are spectacular, and you will not hear the annoying voiceover narration from up here. Take the Tram up and if you are feeling fit, enjoy a pleasant nature hike downhill in the daytime. There are also a few bus routes to the Peak. The Octopus Card is good for rides on the Peak Tram.