| The Peak Hong Kong has been the preferred | | | | Pick a cloudless day and make two journeys, one |
| residence since the British arrived in 1841. Top | | | | during daylight and another in the evening to catch a |
| government officials and taipans built their mansions | | | | memorable image of Hong Kong illuminated. |
| there to escape the stifling summer heat - it is cooler | | | | The best and most enjoyable way to reach The Peak |
| than the lower reaches of Hong Kong Island - and | | | | Hong Kong is by the Peak Tram, one of Hong Kong's |
| were ferried up and down its steep slopes in sedan | | | | oldest types of transportations. This funicular railway |
| chairs carried by Chinese coolies. | | | | first went into operation in 1888 and has since become |
| The governor's summer residence was built there and | | | | a vital transportation link as well as a popular tourist |
| anyone who wished to settle in this rarified | | | | attraction. The ride from the Central to the top of The |
| atmosphere had to gain permission from the governor | | | | Peak Tower takes approximately 7 minutes. |
| of the day. Up until 1945, Chinese were forbidden to | | | | Visitors of all ages will be thrilled by the ride, especially |
| live on the Peak. These days, the area remains a | | | | the steep climb towards the Tower. It climbs out of |
| fashionable place, reflected in real estate prices that | | | | Central at an impossible angle to reach the upper |
| are among the highest in the world. | | | | station at the Peat Tower - a metallic, bowl-shaped |
| From The Peak's various vantage points spectacular | | | | landmark. From the terrace on the fifth floor of the |
| vistas take in most of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, | | | | tower, the views are quite outstanding, looking down |
| much of the New Territories, the outlying islands, | | | | the mountain to the high-rise apartments of the |
| mainland China, and Macau. A trip to The Peak should | | | | Mid-Levels and the gleaming office towers crowded |
| be one of the first things visitors do after arriving in | | | | into Central, and beyondthat across busy Victoria |
| Hong Kong, not only for its world-famous views, but to | | | | Habor to Tsim Sha Tsui and kowloon, backed by the |
| gain a perspective of the city. | | | | green jagged mountains of the New Territories. |