Victoria Peak.html |
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| Victoria Peak | |
|---|---|
 A panoramic view of Hong Kong, Kowloon and Victoria Harbour from Victoria Peak at night |
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| Elevation | 552 m (1,810 ft) |
| Location |  Hong Kong |
| Coordinates | |
Victoria Peak (traditional Chinese: 太平山, or previously- 扯旗山) is a mountain in Hong Kong. It is also documented as The Peak locally, and Mount Austin. The mountain is located in the western half of the Hong Kong Island. With an altitude of 552 m (1,810 ft), it is the highest mountain on the island, although far from the highest Tai Mo Shan in the territory. It is also known to have the highest land value in the worldcitation needed, with many of the rich residents living here. Because of its view, its history and the spectacular location, Victoria Peak is strongly attached to an air of prestige.
The actual summit of Victoria Peak is occupied by a radio telecommunications facility and is closed to the public. However, the surrounding area comprises a mixture of publicly accessible parkland, high value residential land, and it is this area that is normally meant by the name The Peak. The Peak offers spectacular views over central Hong Kong, the harbor and surrounding islands, and is a major tourist attraction.
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History
As early as 19th century, the Peak attracted non-native, prominent residents because of its magnificent panoramic view over the colony and its relatively temperate climate as opposite to the sub-tropical climate in the rest of Hong Kong. Governor Sir Richard MacDonnell was among one of them, who had a summer residence built on the Peak circa 1868. [1]
The original residents reached their homes by sedan chairs, which were carried up and down the steep of access limited the development of the Peak, a situation that would remain until the opening of the Peak Tram funicular railway in 1888.[1][2]
The boost to accessibility given by the opening of demand for residences on the Peak. Between 1904 and 1930, the Peak Reservation Ordinance designated the Peak as an exclusive residential area reserved for Europeans and government officials, as well as reserving the Peak Tram for the use of such passengers during peak periods. The Peak remains an upmarket residential area, although residency today is controlled by wealth rather than race.[1]
There are several restaurants on Victoria Peak. Most of them are located in the shopping complexes, the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria. However one of the most famous, the Peak Lookout Restaurant, is housed in an older and more traditional building. Originally a spacious house for engineers working on the Peak Tramway, it was rebuilt in 1901 as a stop area for private or public sedan chairs, but was opened as a restaurant in 1947.
Natural history
The Peak is home to a wealth of bird life, most prominently the Black Kite, and to an array of butterflies.
Alternative names
| Name | Native Cantonese (Jyutping) | Etymology |
|---|---|---|
| 太平山頂 | tai3 ping4 saan1 deng2 | literally means "pacific mountain peak" |
| 山頂 | saan1 deng2 | corresponds to the English name "The Peak" |
| 扯旗山 | ce2 kei4 saan1 | literally means "flag-raising mountain" |
| 爐峰 | lou4 fung1 | literally means "furnace peak" |
| 維多利亞山 | wai4 do1 lei6 aa3 saan1 | A phonetic transliteration of the English name "Victoria Peak" |
| 柯士甸山 | o1 si6 din1 saan1 | A phonetic transliteration of the English name "Mount Austin" |
See also
- List of mountains, peaks and hills in Hong Kong
- The Peak Hotel, a hotel located on Victoria Peak from 1888 to 1936
- List of buildings, sites and areas in Hong Kong
- Tourism in Hong Kong
- List of places named after Queen Victoria
- Peak Reservation Ordinance
References
- ^ a b c "The Peak History". The Peak. Retrieved on 14 March 2007.
- ^ "Peak Tram History". The Peak Hong Kong. Retrieved on 13 March 2007.
External links
