Peak is the essential excursion of any tourist in passing in Hong Kong!But do you know all the mysteries?The small newspaper.com offers you an outing to know everything about this legendary Mount, symbol of Hong Kong.

Victoria Peak, also known as Mount Austin, is the highest hill on the island of Hong Kong, with its 552 meters above sea level.Essential step of any tourist circuit, it is also a place loaded with symbols and stories.

Peak, a little story

As soon as the English arrived in Hong Kong, the Peak quickly became a prized place.His breathtaking view, his freshness quickly attracted big names, such as Sir Richard Macdonnell, the sixth governor of Hong Kong, who had his summer residence built on his flanks.

Pour y monter, ses résidents se faisaient porter sur des chaises à porteurs, jusqu’à ce que l’ouverture du funiculaire en 1888 en démocratise l’accès et en augmente alors considérablement le nombre de résidences, avec pour conséquence, l’entrée en vigueur en 1904 du Peak Reservation Ordinance, une loi interdisant l’habitation aux personnes d’origine chinoise sur ladite montagne.The law will remain in place until 1930.

A still visible historic building remains the Peak Lookout restaurant, which was originally a house intended for engineers working on funicular.In 1901, he was then converted as a break for the carriers, after their trying ascent.Then, in 1947, he was transformed into a restaurant.Still active today, you can enjoy its magnificent shaded terrace.

Hong Kong's Peak is popular

If today, Peak is known to be an inevitable of any visit to Hong Kong, its reputation is also that of a place where real estate prices are close to the summits.

If prices tend to lower this year, it is however one of the most expensive places in the world.In 2014, a property of Barker Road sold more than 100,000 HKD Le Square Feet.Many wealthy businessmen would have bought residences at prices up to 819 million, if we believe rumors.

Among the celebrities who have displayed themselves at the Peak we can cite Jean-Claude Vandamme.To walk on your steps, the easiest way is to visit the Lion’s Pavilion, where the famous actor and martial arts champion makes the big gap at the start of the film Bloodsport which launched his career in 1987.For safety, however, abstain from imitating it.

To see other stars, just lose yourself in the Tussaud museum, in the heart of the Peak Tower.

Exceptional flora and fauna on peak

After having done a tour of the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria, walk on the Peak Circle Walk, a walk of an hour, all flat, which will allow you to see Hong Kong from all angles.

Although very frequented, the Peak remains a haven of peace for many species: birds, butterflies, spiders, wild boars, pigs-epics, snakes have installed their quarters there and you can most certainly-if you are attentive and if you go enoughearly - see some during your ride.

Built in 1913-1914, this road called the 14th governor of Hong Kong, Sir Frederick Lugard.On the way, admire his Banyan, his vegetation, his sight, his luxury houses and rest on the Belvedere of Lugard Road, which will allow you to admire Sheung Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui.

Arrived at the crossroads between the Lugard and the Hatton Road, cross the garden.At the bottom, behind the pavilion, there is a row of walks, which once grave, will lead you to the Mount High West Viewing Point, one of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

So go down to finish your walk.Go to the Lugard Falls waterfall, then eat an eggette to reward you with your walk.

A hidden garden: the Victoria Peak Garden

If you want to discover the peak more in depth, go up a little while taking the Mount Austin Road.You will then reach Victoria Peak Garden, a garden which was once part of the Governor's summer residence.Victorian style lush garden, you can walk by imagining you in a painting of Renoir.

Saying paths sailing around large lawns and pagodas will lead you to its top, a platform overlooking Hong Kong, where you can do a picnic while the sun sets.This marks the location of the residence used in particular by one of the emblematic governors of Hong Kong, Sir Francis May, now destroyed following the damage caused by several typhoons.

By the way, admire the Gate Lodge, a historic Victorian style building which is at the entrance to the gardens.

For the more athletic, this garden is the ideal starting point to start the hike called "Governor's Walk", going around the old gardens of the residence..

With that, the team wishes you a nice walk!

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