The Peak to Lung Fu Shan Country Park

This hike offers a glimpse of Hong Kong's colonial history accompanied by beautiful nature above a spectacular urban landscape. Parts of The Peak were originally reserved for non-Chinese residents of the colonial elite, who favoured the area for its cooler climate. Today, its leafy paths are open to anyone who wants to enjoy the stunning city views, well-preserved woodlands and heritage sites.

Starting Point — Peak Tram

Opened in 1888, the Peak Tram is Asia’s first cable funicular railway and tramway. It was a marvel of architecture and engineering of its time, initially reserved for the use of residents of Victoria Peak. Enjoy a scenic ride from the harbour-front downtown to The Peak at 396 metres above sea level.

The Peak Lookout

A Grade II Historic Building, this stony hut has been here for over a century and was once a resting place for the carriers of sedan chairs, which residents of The Peak took to their homes after reaching here by the Peak Tram.

Lugard Road

Lugard Road is named after Hong Kong’s 14^th governor, Sir Frederick Lugard. Some sections consist of century-old ‘plank roads’ — narrow cliff-side paths that transverse the mountainside of Victoria Peak. Lugard Road also forms part of the Peak Trail with interpretative panels along the trail. There are a number of vantage points that offer spectacular views of Victoria Harbour.

Lung Fu Shan and Pinewood Battery

At the intersection of Lugard and Harlech roads, turn right by the public toilet onto Hatton Road. Halfway down the hill, you will see the signposted trail to the historic Pinewood Battery. At an elevation of 307 m, it is the highest of all coastal defence batteries in Hong Kong and commands excellent sea views. Built in 1903, the battery was air-raided and heavily shelled by Japanese artillery fire during World War II, and was eventually evacuated and remained abandoned.

End Point — The University of Hong Kong

Return to Hatton Road and descend along the well-shaded path. Before reaching Kotewall Road, you will see the Boundary Stone of City of Victoria, erected in 1903. ‘Victoria City’ was the de facto capital of Hong Kong during early British colonial rule. It stretched from Causeway Bay to Kennedy Town.

Turn to University Drive from Kotewall Road to reach the campus of The University of Hong Kong, which has interesting colonial architecture and a total of four Declared Monuments. Early alumni of the university include Dr Sun Yat-sen, who is often regarded as the founder of modern China.

Trail photos provided by HK Discovery.

Info

Area:: Central and Western District
Starting point:: The Peak Tram Upper Terminus
End point:: The University of Hong Kong
Average hiking time:: About 2 hours
Distance:: Approximately 4.5 km
Replenishing stations:: Fuel up at the ‘The Peak Lookout’ restaurant, The Peak Tower or The Peak Galleria. There are also cafés and canteens at the University of Hong Kong.
Difficulty:: Easy
Level and well-paved paths; multiple rest points

How to get there

To the starting point:

From MTR Central Station Exit J2, walk to the Lower Terminus of the Peak Tram on Garden Road for a scenic ride up to The Peak; or,
from MTR Hong Kong Station Exit A, take bus 15 from the Exchange Square bus terminus to The Peak Galleria.

From the end point:

Head to your next destination from MTR HKU Station.

The Peak to Lung Fu Shan Country Park

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