Per Statista, over one million Japanese nationals traveled to Hong Kong in 2019. It is very likely that tourists comprised a big chunk of that figure, just as it is very likely that said tourists visited Victoria Peak.
Named after Queen Victoria and often known simply as The Peak, this mountaintop perch is a must-see Hong Kong attraction, for its picturesque daytime and nighttime panoramas. The Peak attracts thousands upon thousands of international and local visitors, yearly, who come to take in breathtaking views of skyscraper-lined Victoria Harbour, the Kowloon Peninsula, and the rustic beauty of the surrounding lush, rugged mountaintops. At night, the view transforms into a dazzling display of lights from the megalopolis that embraces The Peak.
Towering 552 meters above sea level, The Peak is the highest point on the island. While the stunning sights from the summit are, without a doubt, the most spectacular jewel in Victoria Peak’s crown, there are other attractions and activities to check out, as well:
The Peak Tram
The Peak Tram, Hong Kong’s first funicular train, opened in 1888, linking The Peak to Central. Originally meant to serve the colonial governor and the inhabitants of The Peak’s luxurious homes, the tram has, since colonial days, transported tens of millions of people. It has served Hong Kong for nearly 130 years, and counting, and has likewise become one of the city’s main tourist attractions.
Peak Tramways, operators of the tram system, has recently undertaken a massive refurbishment project amounting to millions of dollars. The ongoing repair and modernization project, carried out in phases, will result in 75% increased capacity per trip and shorter wait times. The sixth-generation Peak Tram made its debut in August 2022, retiring the fifth-generation burgundy classic. Aside from new tramcars, additional improvements include: new haulage and control systems, new rope and track rails, as well as refurbishments to the Central and Peak terminals for a more pleasurable and efficient experience, overall.
The Peak is the highest point on the island. While the stunning sights from the summit are, without a doubt, the most spectacular jewel in Victoria Peak’s crown.
The Peak Tower
With its unique wok-shaped appearance designed by British architect Terry Farrell, The Peak Tower is definitely an eye-catching attraction. Located above the Peak Tram Upper Terminus, the seven-story building is best known for its viewing deck, Sky Terrace 428. This viewing platform rises 428 meters above sea level and affords stunning 360-degree views of the city. The terrace recently introduced an Instagrammable feature, Love Locks, to add to the romantic atmosphere of the venue. Set against postcard-perfect panoramas, visitors can take their photo with an installation of hearts coated in pink and iridescent elements. They can also purchase a set of heart-shaped padlocks to attach to the wire fence, as a symbol of their love.
Aside from Sky Terrace 428, The Peak Tower also houses a number of restaurants, specialty stores, interactive entertainment venues, and a branch of the world-renowned wax museum Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, located at The Peak Tower, boasts over 100 wax figures of local and international celebrities, alike, in the tradition started by French sculptor, Marie Tussaud. The museum is divided into five exhibition areas: Hong Kong Glamour, Music Icons, Historical and National Heroes, World Premiere and The Champions, each of which showcases incredibly detailed and realistic wax likenesses of famous figures from around the world. Asian icons to more recently join the star-studded roster of waxy A-listers include Jackson Wang, Pia Wurtzbach, Lee Chong Wei, and Manny Pacquiao.
As part of the internationally acclaimed chain of wax museums, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong — which first opened in 2000, and reopened in 2006, after extension and renovation in 2005 — attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The Peak Galleria
Indulge in a spot of retail therapy with a view at The Peak Galleria. The three-floor retail center is home to an array of boutiques, souvenir stores, Hong Kong-style cafés that offer the city’s popular egg tarts and bubble teas, as well as restaurants serving a variety of Cantonese and Western cuisines. The Peak Galleria has likewise become a much-visited tourist attraction for its observation deck on the third floor, offering amazing views of the city.
Monopoly Dreams
Monopoly Dreams, which debuted at The Peak Galleria in 2019, is the world’s first Monopoly-themed attraction and immersive lifestyle center inspired by the classic board game. Step into Mr. Monopoly’s world for an adventure like no other. Unleash your imagination at the Train Station 4-D theater, print your own unique Monopoly Property Title Deed, or attempt to collect as many banknotes as possible to trade for food at the Monopoly Cafe. The 20,000-square-foot venue was conceptualized, designed, and constructed by Hasbro, Monopoly’s owner, and Monopoly Dreams, a business founded specifically to develop the first-of-its-kind attraction.
Victoria Peak Garden
A 20-minute hike uphill along Mount Austin Road leads to Victoria Peak Garden, which was once the summer house of Hong Kong’s governor during British colonial rule. The area has since become a public attraction, showcasing verdant lawns, robust greenery, and picturesque pagodas. The garden likewise features Gate Lodge, built between 1900 and 1902. A stroll on Governor’s Walk offers magnificent views of the upscale neighborhood. The garden provides the perfect setting for relaxing, leisurely walks, while taking in the surrounding views of the city and the harbor. From this vantage point, visitors can see as far as Hong Kong’s southern coast, including some of its outlying islands.
Planning your next trip to Hong Kong? Get it down on your itinerary: reach The Peak.
