MapADay - Peak Tram

Peak Tram - Hong Kong

Article By: Sam Frost

a month ago

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Nature-Forest Nature-Mountain Nature-View point Transport-Tram

The Peak Tram is a funicular railway in Hong Kong, carrying around 17,000 passengers per day (both tourists and residents) to the Peak. At 552 metres, the Peak is Hong Kong's highest point. In days gone by the Peak offered respite to wealthy residents from the intense summer heat. It also served as the perfect signalling point for incoming ships. In 1868, Hong Kong's governor at the time (Sir Richard MacDonnell) had his summer house built on the peak - and other privileged residents soon followed. Transportation up and down the mountain for these wealthy residents was often via what was known as a "sedan chair" - carried by uniformed staff. When Alexander Findlay Smith, who had previously been employed by Scotland's Highland Railway, moved to Hong Kong, he managed to persuade the governor at the time to construct tram routes - one of them going up to the Peak. Once the tram was installed, the Peak became a popular destination for Hong Kong residents to enjoy the breath-taking views over the harbour and city. With 7 million visitors per year, the Peak Tram is now one of Hong Kong's most popular tourist attractions. At the top, you can also visit Peak Tower - a shopping and leisure complex. Photo Credits: Joen Patrick Caagbay, unsplash.com Jon Parise - originally posted to Flickr as Peak Tram, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5731638

Submitted by: Sam Frost, a month ago