Victoria Peak is a mountain
on the western half of Hong Kong Island. It is also known as Mount Austin,
and locally as The Peak. With an elevation of 552 m, it is the highest
mountain on Hong Kong island.
The summit is occupied by a radio
telecommunications facility and is closed to the public. However, the surrounding
area of public parks and high-value residential land is the area that is
normally meant by the name The Peak. It is a major tourist attraction that
offers views of Central, Victoria Harbour, Lamma Island, and the surrounding
islands.
As early as the 19th century,
the Peak attracted prominent European residents because of its panoramic
view over the city and its temperate climate compared to the sub-tropical
climate in the rest of Hong Kong. These original residents reached their
homes by sedan chairs, which were carried up and down the steep slope of
Victoria Peak. This limited development of the Peak until the opening of
the Peak Tram funicular in 1888.
The Peak remains an upmarket
residential area, although residency today is based on wealth.