Victoria Peak

In the early colonial years The Peak was where wealthy residents and governors went to escape the summer heat of the city below. Reaching it meant a long climb or a sedan-chair ride until the Peak Tram opened in 1888, which the Hong Kong Tourism Board describes as Asia's first funicular railway. The line runs about 1.3 km from Garden Road in Central and climbs almost 400 metres, with four intermediate stops along the way.

The tram has been modernised several times. After a closure of more than a year, the line reopened in August 2022 with new, longer carriages that carry far more passengers. At the top, the original Peak Tower opened in 1972; the current tower, designed by British architect Terry Farrell, opened in 1997 and holds Sky Terrace 428, named for its height of 428 metres above sea level.

Lugard Road, which forms much of the Peak Circle Walk, is named after Sir Frederick Lugard, the 14th Governor of Hong Kong.

The Peak has long been one of Hong Kong's most exclusive residential addresses, and quiet lanes of private homes and embassies lie just beyond the tourist area. For locals, Lugard Road and the surrounding trails are everyday spots for morning jogs, dog walks and weekend family strolls, and the Peak is also the starting point of the 50 km Hong Kong Trail, which ends at Big Wave Bay near Dragon's Back.