General Information about Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is the common name for the mountain situated Hong Kong Island which towers above the commercial and residential districts below. Known locally as "The Peak" it is not actually located at the highest point, but describes an area around the summit of what is properly called Mount Austin.
The area has historical significance as the location of expensive residential homes in the days of the British Colony of Hong Kong, but is now more widely known as a tourist destination due to the magnificent views over Victoria Harbour, and the unusual cable-car / funicular known as the Peak Tram which has been operation for over 100 years.
Ranked in many guides as the #1 place to visit in Hong Kong Victoria Peak deserves its reputation as the one place you should visit if you have no chance to see anything else, because it displays many key aspects of what makes HK a unique city. Here on The Peak you will find a blend of British Colonial history, in buildings and road names, modern and traditional Chinese styling in landscaping, architecture and commerce. While at the same time giving outstanding views of Victoria Harbour which has become synonyms with Hong Kong and was key to the commercial success of the city.
A blend of commercial and residential, properties, skyscrapers, and temperate forest cover accessible via quite paths, interspersed with formal gardens, parks, shops, international attractions and souvenirs combine to make this everything you might want to see of HK in one location.
The Peak offers differing experiences during the day and the evening, and is best visited in the early afternoon, perhaps leading into dinner, so that these two worlds may be visited. A morning visit may also be valuable for those who enjoy their sightseeing a little quieter.
While there are attractions here that may entertain people for days on end most visitors find that a half-day visit most enjoyable, though many then return again and again on subsequent visits.