Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak or The Peak (or Tai Ping Shan 太平山頂 by the locals) is a mountain in the South-West of Hong Kong Island. It is one of the tourist destinations in Hong Kong. The Peak is the place where the richest members of the former colony live.

There are about six million people who visit this destination every year. When visitors arrive at the Peak by the Peak Tram, they can see Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, even Victoria Park, from the Peak Tower. The tower has a special "wok" shape; it is not at the top of the mountain at the center of Hong Kong Island (554 meters above sea level), but at an elevation of 396 metres: the architects sought a design which would be prominent on the skyline but would not interrupt the natural line of the hills. The site is in a dip along the line of the hills, and the tower's height is restricted to 428 m above sea level, overlooking the city of Hong Kong. It is reachable by roads, the Peak Tram (a cable car on rails), and the Mid-Levels escalators (see also Transportation in Hong Kong). It is the biggest tourist attraction in Hong Kong for the spectacular views of the city and bay. On a clear day, people can wander through forests of bamboo and fern, stunted Chinese pines, hibiscus, and vines of wonderful natural beauty. In fact, the best way to see The Peak in all its bucolic glory is by walking around Lugard Road, which is the best spot to look down at both shores of Victoria Harbor, Kowloon Peninsula and even the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir and Island district on the southern part of Hong Kong.That is a special tip for the tourists to take the best pictures of the Peak.

Table of contents

1 Mountain Tram
2 History
3 Peak Tower
4 The Peak Restaurant
5 Lung Fu Shan Trial
6 External links

Mountain Tram

The Peak Tramway is a cable car system.

History

Peak Tram

1888-- first served the public , steam engine
1926-- replaced with an electric engine and a cable of 5000 feet to hold two cars -- one going up and one going down -- at the same time.
1989-- system was computerized and the passenger capacity has been increased from the original 32 to 120.

The Peak Tram is quick and safe since the tram is computer-controlled with an automatic system check on all safety devices before its journey begins. It is environmentally friendly as well due to its microprocessor-controlled electric drive system.

The Tram takes the shortest route up to The Peak and has the best views, including the skyscrapers of Hong Kong. The track is about 1,365 metres long and people take only 7 minutes to reach The Peak.

Peak Tower

The Peak Tower has seven floors with a total 112,000 square feet. There is a viewing platform on the third floor. In 1997, Peak Tower was redeveloped, with new attractions Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium and Hong Kong's Historical Adventure. The first one is a Motion Simulator. While the latter is the first computer-operated entertainment ride in Hong Kong, and is a "train journey" through scenes of the Hong Kong's early history. There are many restaurants and shops in it. There is Madame Tussaud's which is London's famous wax museum. Wax models of many world popular artisits and people such as the would famous action actor Jacky Chan are there.

Peak Explorer Motion Simulator is located in the forth floor of the Peak Tower. It has high technological machines, such as projectors, music and light machines. So, people visiting there can have a simulative, wonderful and excitive space journey.

If visitors go shopping in the Peak Tower, they can buy many kinds of high quality souvenirs in the Peak Store. They can also buy some special things, such as Chinese arts & crafts, cosmetics, photo products and books, etc at other shops.

If visitors feel hungry in the Peak Tower, they can try many Asian and Western dishes because many types of restaurants locate there. The most special food may be the Japanese-style pancakes of “Ice-Queen” because this kind of pancake is served in a few places only and it is one of the most popular snacks and desserts in Hong Kong.

The Peak Restaurant

Peak Restaurant

The Peak Restaurant

Before 1901, Peak Restaurant was a rooming house and working area of Peak Tramway for England engineers. After that, it was rebuilt to become a stopping area for private or public sedan chairs. The Peak Restaurant is rebuilt to be a restaurant from 1947.

There are many reaturants such as the M�venpick March� Restaurant and the Eat Noodles.The spectacular view of the city and can vied from the M�venpick March� Restaurant. The guests are invited to walk around the restaurant and choose their favourite Asian or International ingredients. Then their meals are cooked in front of them.Eat noodles also cook the noodles in front of the guests.

Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail

Lung Fu Shan Trial

Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail is a 750m long trail showing the environment of The Peak. Signs provide some information about health care and safe hiking on the road. The train starts at Pinewood Garden, routing through the Pinewood Battery, a few barbecue sites, a number of shelters, a flight of steps and a section of steep road before arriving at the junction of Harlech Road and Hatton Road. It takes about 60 minutes to complete the trail.