| Victoria Peak, or simply "The Peak", as it is popularly | | | | through the Pokfulam Native Tree Walk, which got |
| known, is probably Hong Kong's most popular | | | | its name thanks to the fact that it features each and |
| attraction. The postcard-views of the metropolis and | | | | every one of Hong Kong's native trees and plants. It |
| its surrounding harbors are simply unbeatable, but | | | | is a pleasant one - one and a half hours walk, and |
| while most visitors stick to the usual tourist traps, | | | | plates with information about the various plants can |
| The Peak has more attractions to offer, including | | | | be found along the trail. |
| some surprisingly beautiful nature trails. This article will | | | | Another option is to climb up to Victoria Peak |
| take you through what "Victoria Peak" has to offer: | | | | Garden, a beautiful Chinese garden right next to the |
| Naturally, you would want to climb up to the peak, | | | | summit, which is great both for its pleasant |
| using the world-famous "Peak Tram". The historic | | | | atmosphere and stunning views. Getting there is via |
| red-painted tram climbs the stiff 400m gradient in | | | | Mt. Austin Road, which starts from the back of the |
| seven minutes, providing spectacular views and a | | | | malls, right next to Peak Cafe, and although it is not |
| very nice experience. What many tourists don't | | | | a very long walk, in terms of actual distance, you will |
| know, however, is that getting to Victoria Peak by | | | | still have to climb more than 150m in height, so be |
| bus or minibus is also a worthy experience, so if you | | | | prepared...Those of you who are really into nature |
| have the time, try to go one way with the tram and | | | | trails can walk down to Pokfulam Village and the |
| the other with a minibus, passing on the winding road, | | | | reservoir, through Pokfulam Reservoir Road, which |
| through the lush forest that covers Mount Victoria's | | | | starts just a stone's throw from Peak Cafe. |
| slopes, and enjoying breathtaking views of Hong | | | | Pokfulam Village, at the bottom of the road, is one |
| Kong Island's southern coast. | | | | of the oldest settlements on Hong Kong Island and |
| No matter how you get to "the Peak", your first | | | | still maintains some of its old-time ambience. After |
| stop will be at one of the two neighboring shopping | | | | strolling the village lanes, simply walk to Pok Fu Lam |
| malls, known as "The Peak Tower" and "Peak | | | | Road (Near HKU University hall) and catch a bus to |
| Galleria", where there are plenty of souvenir shops | | | | "Central" or Wanchai. |
| and tourist traps, as well as some good restaurants | | | | And one important tip before concluding this article: |
| (with great view-balconies) and, of course, Hong | | | | Unfortunately, rapid industrialization on the Chinese |
| Kong's Madame Tussauds. | | | | side of the Pearl River Delta causes an air pollution |
| If you do have the time, do yourself a big favor and | | | | problem, and smoggy days with bad visibility are |
| don't leave "Victoria Peak" after visiting these two | | | | becoming more and more frequent...Try to make |
| malls... Instead, walk out to the street at the back of | | | | sure visibility is reasonable, before you actually travel |
| "The Peak Tower", turn right to Lugard Road and | | | | up to Victoria Peak, as spectacular views are what |
| start encircling Mount Victoria's summit, passing | | | | "the Peak" is all about. |