Hong Kong Victoria Peak

A miniature hill station in colonial times, Victoria Peak is stratospheric in its social exclusiveness and its rents.

Groundlings can still visit, however, ascending by the vertiginous Peak Tram – a funicular in use since 1888, which feels more like the Space Shuttle.

Atop the Victoria Peak hill is the Peak Tower (a slightly bizarre viewing platform with displays and other facilities) as well as the Peak Galleria shopping arcade.

The amusements and shops on offer vary from the appealing to the unforgivably tacky, although there are at least plenty of restaurants and bars to sustain visitors.

Dinner at Café Deco, in the Peak Galleria, is a must-do Hong Kong experience – the view down into central Hong Kong and across the water to Kowloon defies description, day or night.

Hikers can scale the real Victoria Peak, some 140m (459ft) above the tram terminus, with vistas over Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the outlying islands.

Victoria Peak Garden

This open space is built upon the granite foundations of Mountain Lodge, a former governor's summer residence which fell into ruin and was demolished after the war. As you ascend Mount Austin Road you pass the former gatehouse on your left. Built around 1902, it is being refurbished and will serve as historical exhibition gallery. The garden enjoys exceptional views out towards Lamma Island, particularly from the lookout point there is a refreshment kiosk.

A footpath called 'The Governor Walk' is an alternative route back down to Harlech Road.

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