At 552 meters, Mount Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. It is one of the most visited places by tourists and it is not difficult to find the reason for it. From Central to Hong Kong, the 125-year-old Gravity Ignore Peak Tram can be reached in as little as eight minutes from the capital, the scenic forests, and easy but scenic walks. As predicted, it has become a money-making circus with two restaurants and a shopping mall. But if you can get over it, there is still magic here.
The top terminal of the Peak Tram takes you to the Peak Tower. Level 5 and you will reach Sky Terrace 428. It is so named because it is located 428 meters above sea level. In the Hong Kong sense, this is the highest point in the world, and you will get a 360-degree view of Hong Kong’s sky-high forest, harbor, and beyond the Kowloon.
If you do not worry about the highest point and you do, then the Lions View Point Pavilion is worth a look. It is adorned with cute Chinese pagodas and gated lion statues that make it look even more attractive. This is where the elderly locals sit and watch the show. It is a two-minute walk from the top terminal of the tram.
MT Austin Road, about 500 meters northwest of the upper terminal, is the old governor’s summer lodge, which was burned to the ground by Japanese soldiers during World War II. However, there are still beautiful gardens, which have been modernized with Victorian gazebos, sundials, benches, and stone pillars. They are open to the public. It takes about 30 minutes to climb here. As you pass the park you will find a second viewing point with island and sea views.
For long walks, including the 3.5km Morning Trail, you can map the unused tram from the Hong Kong Guest Center near the Peak Tower.
