The Peak Tower is a shopping complex located at Victoria Gap, near the summit of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. It also houses the upper terminal of the Peak Tram, a funicular railway. Both the Peak Tower and the Peak Tram are owned by the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels group, the owner of Hong Kong's Peninsula Hotel and other properties. The tower and tram are jointly promoted by the collective branding known as The Peak.
The Peak Tower is located at an elevation of 396 m (1,299 ft), 156 m (512 ft) below the summit of Victoria Peak. Because the architects sought a design which would be prominent on the skyline but would not interrupt the natural line of the hills, they chose a site in a dip along the line of the hills and restricted the tower's height to 428 m above sea level.
The Peak Tram opened in 1888. A wooden structure was built as its first upper terminus station. The current Peak Tower is the second on the site. First design The first peak Tower was designed by Hong Kong architect Chung Wah Nan.9] Construction started in 1971, and it was opened to the public on 29 August 1972.
The Tower Restaurant, a western restaurant, opened in the same year. It was situated on the top deck while the Peak Coffee Shop was located on the floor below. Both the upper floors were supported by two columns allowing a clear space between the upper and lower parts of the tower. This design feature has been retained in the redeveloped tower, but with quite a different shape to the upper section. On the ground floor of the building, there was a Chinese restaurant. It was open until 1981.
The first tower was demolished in 1993 and a groundbreaking ceremony on the new tower was held later the same year.
Second design The current Peak Tower was the work of the British architect Terry Farrell and was completed in 1997. It has seven floors with a total area of 10,400 m² (112,000 ft²) with a wok shape at the top. A viewing platform located on the third floor overlooks Victoria Harbor.
The building was altered from 2005–2006 at a cost of $100 million.[12 The lower portion was glassed in to increase retail space, and the escalators were relocated. The Peak Tower now has eight floors with the viewing terrace relocated to the top of the building (at the top of the 'wok' shape) that overlooks both Victoria Harbor and Aberdeen (SW of the Hong Kong Island); however, severe air pollution often hinders the outlook...
Read moreIt's quite boring.
First thing before you buy ticket is to look up at the sky, if overcast, not much point unless you only have one day. Go on a day where you see some sun!
It is a short walk up from Central mtr station J2exit, look up at signs and u won't get lost. Alternative is a long walk from admiralty through pacific place and part of the botanical Gardens (which is quite nice) .
Even if you think you are smart and buy tickets in advance online, the queue time is similar to the queue if you buy at the ticket office on site, as both queues eventually merge.
Buy the ticket for the sky platform if u like photos.
If u want good view, sit on right when going up (and left when going down).
Don't try to cram onto the first available tram as trams are relatively frequent (there are 2trams, you want to be at the front of the queue. We let ppl past, this has 2 benefits in that u get to choose a good seat (but u still need to be quick) and you won't need to stand up.
Going back down u definitely want to be at the front left as the experience is like a super slow roller coaster.
The place is full of souvenirs and trinkets as it is a tourist location so go straight up to the sky platform to take photos. Then you can go to the main open area downstairs for a short walk around the peak. There are several restaurants here and there eg burger king and a 7 eleven.
Upon getting off the return cable car, you should walk around the botanical Gardens on the right. I personally hate plants and trees but the blend of architecture and landscape design is worth a look if u have time.
Note if you do not want to take tram back down, there is a bus terminal and taxis at the top that can take you to convenient locations.
Also, if you are fit, you can try to walk up to the peak as opposed to taking the tram. The walking path is...
Read moreThe Peak Tower is an absolute must-visit destination when exploring Hong Kong. Situated atop Victoria Peak, this iconic landmark offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning panoramic views and a wide range of attractions.
First and foremost, the highlight of The Peak Tower is its observation deck, providing a bird's-eye view of Hong Kong's breathtaking skyline. The vistas stretch across the bustling city, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque scene that will leave you in awe. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the mesmerizing beauty from every angle.
Aside from the awe-inspiring views, The Peak Tower houses an array of exciting activities and attractions. The Sky Terrace 428, located on the rooftop, offers a mesmerizing 360-degree view and is one of the highest observation decks in Asia. The Sky Gallery provides an immersive multimedia experience, allowing visitors to delve into Hong Kong's rich history and culture.
The Peak Tower is also home to numerous dining options, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. After soaking in the views, you can savor a delicious meal while overlooking the cityscape. Whether you're craving international cuisine or traditional local dishes, there's something to suit every palate.
Additionally, the Peak Tram Historical Gallery, located within the tower, provides fascinating insights into the history and development of the Peak Tram, a renowned funicular railway that transports visitors to the summit. It's a great opportunity to learn about the engineering marvels behind this iconic mode of transportation.
Finally, the shopping experience at The Peak Tower is not to be missed. The vibrant array of boutiques and souvenir shops offers a variety of unique items, allowing you to take a piece of Hong Kong back...
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