Overlooking Hong Kong's popular spot from the Peak
Just came back from Hong Kong, stayed for two days. On the first day, I went to the Peak, and on the second day, I visited a university in Hong Kong. 😊😊😊
I had high expectations for the Peak. Planned to take the tram up the mountain around three or four o'clock, watch the night view, and then take the bus down. 😊😊😊
The reality was, the queue for the tram was too long, and it took a long time to find the bus stop by walking briskly. I had to ask many passers-by to find the correct waiting point. My advice is if you plan to take the tram, be prepared to queue for at least an hour, there won't be fewer people in the afternoon or evening. If you plan to take the bus or minibus, get on at the Star Ferry Pier. 😕😕😕
This was taken on the bus ride up the mountain. The bus route was a bit circuitous, and it was crowded... 😕😕😕
Upon reaching the peak, I found that there were also many people going up to the viewing platform. I didn't know whether the queue was for the tram or the viewing platform, so I rested nearby while looking for strategies. I found that many people recommended the Lugard Road hiking trail, so I went with a try-and-see attitude. 😊😊😊
This is a hiking route for the wealthy halfway up the mountain. The first five hundred meters were filled with foreigners walking, taking their children out, and walking their dogs... 😊😊😊
There were many educational boards about animals and plants along the way, like entering a forest park, with a tranquil environment and a cool breeze. However, at that moment, I was still a bit frustrated because I didn't come all the way to Hong Kong to visit a park. 😕😕😕
But as I walked further, where the vegetation was sparse, the view opened up... 😊😊😊
Although it was foggy that day, the view of Victoria Harbour and the skyscrapers was still spectacular.
There were fewer tourists on this route, and more locals... The first Asian face we met, my friend said was a tvb actor, but unfortunately, I didn't pay attention... However, it's quite likely to see tvb stars in Hong Kong. The next day, we sat next to a table of tvb actors while dining, but unfortunately, I couldn't recall their names even though their faces were familiar.
There were many artists taking photographs and sketching...
This route was chosen by accident, but the rewards were great. Surrounded by lush greenery, breathing fresh air, seeing blondes with long legs, and foreign kids with big eyes and curly golden hair, both my eyes and soul were cleansed... In Hong Kong, a bustling international city where every inch of land is precious, our first stop was a refreshing and pleasant place, truly a remarkable journey...
When descending the mountain, there were many people queuing for both the bus and the tram, so we chose the minibus, which was more expensive and had fewer people. Little did we know that although the minibus had fewer stops, there were also fewer buses, and due to the rush hour traffic jam around five or six o'clock, we still waited for over an hour. The road down the mountain was more thrilling and dangerous than the way up, so those who get carsick should be mentally prepared. 😕
I recommend a combination of hiking and taking the bus or tram. As an international city, Hong Kong has many mountains and country parks, and the outdoor facilities and signage are excellent. Although the Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, with an elevation of just over 500 meters, there's no need to worry, as the trail conditions for climbing are very good. I've only been to the Peak once, and that was by hiking to the top. Since the tram is crowded on weekends, I didn't want to bother with buying tickets and possibly waiting. Besides, I prefer to walk wherever possible, and hiking up the mountain doesn't take too long. It also allows for a leisurely appreciation of the scenery along the way, unlike the tram which whisks you up in no time. 😊
Recommended route:
Central MTR Station - Mid-levels Escalator - (Have a cup of iced milk tea at Lan Fong Yuen) - Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens - Tram Path - The Peak Viewing Platform
I followed this route myself, and it felt pretty good. The intensity isn't too high, and I suggest starting after noon. This way, you'll arrive at the Peak around evening, and you can see Hong Kong in both daylight and under the night sky (I arrived early and missed the night view of Hong Kong). With Google Maps, you can easily plan out the route. The elevation gain is about 500m (actually not that much), and the walking time is about an hour and a half. I think a leisurely two-hour walk is sufficient.