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