Long considered the city’s absolute must-visit destination, Victoria Peak, or The Peak as it is more commonly known, offers you superb views of Asia’s most vibrant city. From your vintage point high above this bustling metropolis, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ appears at night as a galaxy of shimmering and shining lights. But, not only does The Peak provide you with stupendous vistas – day or night – it also boasts a lovely and easy hiking trail called the Peak Circle Walk offering you a leisurely, fun outing and the chance to commune with breathtaking views of the city’s world – famous harbour.
 
Lugard Road
 

Lugard Road

The Peak Circle Walk starts at Lugard Road near the Peak Tower. Built in 1913-1914, the road is named after Hong Kong’s 14th Governor, Sir Frederick Lugard. Some sections are “plank roads”, i.e., narrow paths built along the cliffs. About 20 minutes into your pleasant stroll, you arrive at the Lugard Road Lookout where you get a gorgeous full view of spectacular Victoria Harbour! Here is the ideal place get your camera out and take that once-in-a-lifetime photo. Magical!
 
 

More surprises on Harlech Road

Lugard Road runs into Harlech Road, which will take you back to the Peak Tower and the end of your pleasant and leisurely lap around The Peak. It only takes 15 minutes to cover the tree-shaded path, or a bit longer if you stop to appreciate the sights and sounds of the beautiful, pleasant waterfall in the section below Mount Austin Playground. Flat and walkable, Harlech Road is a favourite route for joggers.
 
 
Peak Tower
 
 

Area covered: Central and Western District
Starting point: Lugard Road
Ending point: Harlech Road
Average hiking time: About 1.5 hours
Distance: 3.5 km
Replenishing stations: As there is no replenishing station along the way, it is best to have a meal at one of the restaurants in The Peak Galleria or The Peak Tower before you set out. Alternatively, stock up on food and water before you embark on your outing.
   
   
 

To the starting point:
1. MTR Central Station Exit J2 and walk to the Lower Terminus of the Peak Tram on Garden Road for an incredible ride up to The Peak on this unique funicular train.
2. MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D, then take Bus 15 from the Exchange Square Bus Terminus to the Peak Galleria.
 
From the ending point:
1. Hop aboard the Peak Tram down to the Garden Road Terminus.
2. Take bus No. 15 at the Peak Plaza down to the Central Exchange Square Bus Terminus.
 
Discover a military stronghold The Mountain Lodge Guard House

If you have the time and the energy, turn right onto Hatton Road at the intersection of Lugard and Harlech and proceed straight ahead to Lung Fu Shan and Pinewood Battery. It served as a military stronghold to guard Hong Kong during World War II. Here, you can overlook the west side of Hong Kong Island. Farther ahead lies the buildings of the University of Hong Kong. Here you have a few options: take an enjoyable tour of the university, return to Central via bus 13 on Kotewall Road, or follow Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road located right across from The Peak Tower for an hour’s walk to Hong Kong’s first reservoir, built in 1860.

Next to Harlech Road is Mount Austin Road, where you can take a break and enjoy more unobstructed views of the city below. After a short walk you will find yourself at an ideal picnic spot — Victoria Peak Garden, which used to boast Mountain Lodge (once the Governor of Hong Kong’s summer residence), built in 1902. Today, only the Guard House is still and is now one of Hong Kong’s officially declared monuments.