Dear Travelpeeps and Hong Kong fans! Here we are fresh off the press with our latest article about the Hong Kong attractions 2018.
Today’s theme is (drum roll … fanfare sound … dramatic buzzing and whirring …): Victoria Peak View Hong Kong!
Hooray. Yes, and who or what is this Victoria Peak?
Maybe the granddaughter of the GDR President Wilhelm Pieck? Or even an offshoot of the Whistleblower “Wikipeaks”?
No, everything wrong. Victoria Peak Hong Kong is with its 552 meters the most famous mountain in the region. At the same time, it is a world-famous observation deck on Hong Kong and the destination of countless tourists. No wonder, because the view from up there is legendary and you really have the whole city in view, or camera focus.
Victoria Peak View Hongkong
The Chinese name Tai Ping Shan means “Mountain of great peace“.
Yes, peacefully it rests protectively over the old Diva Hong Kong. In addition to radio and telecommunications facilities located on the mountain and closed to the public, “The Peak” is one of Hong Kong’s major tourist attractions.
The view of almost all of Hong Kong and its districts Central, Victoria Harbor and Lamma Island is breathtaking and a very popular photo opportunity.
The history of the Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak has a long history. Once, in colonial times, it was considered the hill of the rich. The first European colonial rulers built here their villas due to the magnificent panoramic views. In addition, the climate was more bearable up there than in subtropical Hong Kong.
Later then in the 19th century, malaria raged in Hong Kong’s streets.
Just at that time, the well-to-do people settled down on and around the hill. Nowadays, land prices are astronomical, real estate only affordable for the (very) rich.
The higher up the mountain, the richer.
The most expensive land in the world
Incidentally, The Peak of the Peak is the most expensive pavement in the world.
The director of Cheung Kong Holdings has there property, like the brothers of Sun Hung Kai Properties. A square foot (about 0.09 m²) costs a whopping HK $ 100,000. This is about US $ 13,000 or 11.140 EUR). Exactly, money rules the world.
The Peak Tower
The Peak Tower is sometimes falsely referred to as the Victoria Tower.
In fact, both can be found in Hong Kong. The Victoria Towers, as they are called, are a skyscraper complex opened in 2003.
The Peak Tower, on the other side, is 379 meters high and is considered one of Hong Kong’s most modern and stylish buildings.
The building has its own special anvil-shaped architecture. On several floors you will find all sorts of shops, souvenir shops, restaurants and much more. The real highlight of the Peak Tower, however, is the legendary Sky Terrace 148.
On this observation deck, all visitors to the Victoria Peak are bustling with the legendary footage of Kowloon and Hong Kong. Instagram & Co say hello.
The Peak-Tram or Uber?
So, how do you get there? In principle, there are two fundamentally different ways to reach Victoria Peak. We show you both here in the short break and explain advantages and disadvantages.
The Peak Tram
+ Absolutely legendary way to reach the peak
+ was originally a Swiss funicular
+ has been on duty since 1888
+ houses a gallery on the historical development “Pearl of the Orient”
+ incredibly steep rise, unique experience
+ runs every 10-15 minutes
– extremely long waiting times (up to several hours)
Uber (Grab) booking by App
+ accessible anytime, anywhere
+ conveniently bookable via App, no tickets or similar necessary
+ very favorable ratio (I paid less than 10 EUR for about 30 minutes)
+ individual taxi (high travel comfort)
+ brings you exactly to the destination (to the point)
– not the legendary tram feeling included
The Peak Tram costs HK$ 45 to and from, so just under 5 EUR. Get your special tickets WITHOUT any waiting time before.
Avoid taxis which take usurious prizes from frustrated tourists who spend hours waiting.
Or stop best directly via Uber there.
Our recommendation
More than 7 million visitors annually can not be wrong. The breathtaking view of the city is a very special highlight for every Hong Kong tourist.
Be sure to have enough time, it should be a few hours.
Also, consider when you want to visit the Victoria Peak. During the day, the observation deck is not that crowded.
So you take good snapshots relatively undisturbed and from every angle.
Towards evening, before dawn, it gets crowded. Really full! The fight for every inch begins.
Everyone wants the best selfie. The platform is packed. But the view is awesome.
The transition from dusk to night over Hong Kong is spectacular.
Victoria Peak is required to visit Hong Kong.
That’s it with our impressions of Victoria Peak Hong Kong! I hope the tips are helpful to you and the impressions reflect a bit of the Hong Kong view.
See you next time with impressions from the Hong Kong Central District. Enjoy til then all the impressions in our Hong Kong Gallery.
Until then stay always victorious on the peak! Your Asia Scout Hendrik
Dear reader, if you enjoyed reading our article, we would be very happy about a small donation.
Sincerely, Bird & Hendrik
If I ever get the opportunity to go toHong Kong this would be the first thing I would do. Great views Atowle|https://formationvacations.com/
I always try to find a high point to get s View over any city I visit and Victoria Peak View definitely fits the bill here! The view at sunset is absolutely incredible! I think that would be my preferred time to go, and I’d definitely choose the funicular over other transport methods. I find teams to viewpoints just add to the overall fun/experience.
I’ll get to Hong Kong someday. Victoria Peak’s views are amazing! Great tip on avoiding long lines for the tram – Uber is tempting but I can’t resist such an iconic way to get there. I can understand why the platforms get crowded as it gets later – those photos of the sun setting and the buildings lighting up are magical.
There isn’t a city view that’s much better than Hong Kong from Victoria Peak. Your photographs have showcased what a spectacular sight it is. Thanks for helping me relive an old favourite.
The view from the observation deck of the Peak Tower is breathtaking! I haven’t yet been to Hong Kong but I have been hearing so much about it lately, seems like I need to go. Such a lovely skyline, I’d love to research places offering the best views possible before I go.
The views from Victoria Peak sound breathtaking! Something new to learn everyday! Did not know that Hong Kong hosts the most expensive land in the world! The Peak Tram would be a great experience as compared to the Uber for me I think. Thanks for the tip that it is packed in the evening and would be a good idea to visit during day hours! Added Victoria Peak as a Hong Kong Attraction on our list.
I visited Hongkong last year and visited Victoria peak. This brought back loads of memories. The best way indeed is by the funicular but a bit expensive and long lines. The views were amazing from the top. I had lunch at my favourite restaurant bubba gump. Weather has to play a big role and you need a clear day to get the best.
As always Hendrik, you manage to capture the best views of a destination! I remember visiting Victoria Peak many years ago, but sadly have no photos to remember it by. I never knew the tram was an old Swiss funicular, how interesting! And thank you also for distinguishing between Victoria Peak and Peak Towers. And you’re right; money does talk, especially in HK!
As always, your captures of the cityscape is absolutely mesmerizing. Glad to know about another interesting destination of HongKOng through this post.
Most expensive land in the world?!!! Whoa!!! That’s impressive!
The view is spectacular. Good to know you could take a tram!