Visiting Hong Kong's Peak Attractions
Shopping, Sightseeing, and Great Food at the Peak Tower in Hong Kong
Nov 3, 2009
Cool breezes, stunning views and great shopping and dining at Hong Kong's Peak Tower make it the ultimate destination. The iconic building was first erected in 1972, and redesigned in 1997 by renowned British architect Terry Farrell. Always a popular spot, the makeover in 2006 of the complex to include worldwide attractions like Madame Tussauds means it is buzzing with visitors from early morning to late at night.
Visiting Hong Kong’s Peak Attractions, Sightseeing
Ride up on the Peak Tram from the Lower Terminus, checking out the historical gallery of memorabilia from Hong Kong’s early days before boarding. The temperature on the Peak is always several degrees cooler, and homes here were reserved for Europeans as it was felt they would benefit from fresh breezes. The Governor had a summer house on Mount Austin just above the Peak Tower, and the first two rows of the Tram were reserved for him and his family.
The eight minute ride ascends from 28m to 396m above sea level. Be sure to sit on the right for the best views. The tram opened in 1888 after Mr Findlay Smith lobbied for an easier way to bring guests to his hotel than traveling up the steep paths by sedan chair. The hotel is long gone, replaced by the Peak Galleria shopping complex, across the piazza from the Peak Tower.
Visiting Hong Kong’s Peak Attractions, Shopping
Leaving the Tram you’ll pass the Peak Market, a row of shops selling a selection of traditional souvenirs, watches, jewellery and electronic gadgets, and favourite snacks. Buy postcards to send to envious friends back home – stamps available at the Post Office in the corner. Opposite is the ever popular Madame Tussauds, where you can meet famous Hong Kong and worldwide movie stars, including Bruce Lee. A new feature is Scream, Hong Kong’s first permanent scare attraction where daring visitors must take a frightening journey through a darkened asylum for the insane whose inmates are roaming around.
Visiting Hong Kong’s Peak Attractions, Restaurants
When you’re tired of shopping and being scared, then it’s time to eat. The Peak Tower has a large selection of restaurants, ranging from fast food at Burger King, to western classics at Pearl, recommended in Michelin Guide Hong Kong 2009. Chinese favorites include Tien Yi for its dim sum and impressive wine cellar, Kyo Hachi Japanese serving teppanyaki with chefs performing a live show and for American food, Bubba Gump Shrimp, a family friendly restaurant capturing the spirit of the movie Forrest Gump.
The piazza outside the Peak Tower has an impressive water fountain, and if you need help on more places to visit, the Hong Kong Tourism Board operates from an old green Peak Tram. Across the way at the Peak Galleria are more dining outlets: Haagen Daaz, Starbucks, Deli France and shops, including McDonalds, Dymocks bookshop and a supermarket.
Visiting Hong Kong’s Peak Attractions, A Photographer’s Dream
Before leaving, don’t forget to take photos as a reminder of your visit. Views around the Peak stretch from across to Kowloon to the distance outlying islands and the tiny jetfoils skimming across the South China Sea to Macau, an hour’s ride away. A magical experience at any time of day, but especially when the lights are going on and dusk is falling.
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