Luxury hotels in Hong Kong

Hong Kong guide

Victoria Peak: the view that defines Hong Kong

Take the historic tram up, then walk Lugard Road for the harbour view without the crowds.

Every guide to Hong Kong starts at the Peak. The Peak Tram has climbed the hillside since 1888 at an angle that tilts the skyscrapers outside the window, and at the top the whole of Victoria Harbour opens up, from Central to Kowloon.

The secret is to step away from the viewing terraces. Lugard Road, a flat, shaded path that circles the summit, reaches a lookout with the same view and a fraction of the people, and the full loop takes about an hour. Go up in the late afternoon, watch the city light up, and come down by taxi rather than queueing for the tram.

The Star Ferry across the harbour, still one of the world's great short crossings, completes the picture, as does the nightly light show seen from the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. October to December brings the clearest air and the best visibility from the summit.

The Star Ferry and the Symphony of Lights

The Star Ferry, crossing Victoria Harbour since 1888, is one of the most cited experiences in Hong Kong and still one of the cheapest: ten minutes between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, with the skyline on both sides. Ride it at dusk for the best light.

In Tsim Sha Tsui, the Avenue of Stars and the waterfront promenade face Hong Kong Island, and at 8 pm the Symphony of Lights show turns the towers into a light display. The M+ museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum in West Kowloon are close by.

Lantau Island and the Big Buddha

The Tian Tan Buddha, a bronze statue 34 metres tall seated on the hills of Lantau Island, is the most cited excursion from central Hong Kong. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car, with crystal-floored cabins, climbs to it in about 25 minutes with views over the sea and the airport.

Beside the Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery serves vegetarian lunches, and the Wisdom Path is a short walk away. The fishing village of Tai O, with houses on stilts, is a short bus ride further, and boats sometimes spot pink dolphins.