Victoria Peak in Hong Kong

Victoria Peak in Hong Kong

Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, known in English as Victoria Peak, generally refers to "the summit of Victoria Peak," hence it is commonly called The Peak by locals. Originally named "Hard Head Mountain" and historically referred to as Incense Burner Peak, it stands at an elevation of 554 meters, making it the highest peak on Hong Kong Island.

Victoria Peak has a long history and has been known by several names, each referring to different areas. Geographically and historically, Victoria Peak encompasses a large hilly area extending east of Lung Fu Shan, north of Pok Fu Lam, and west of Magazine Gap. This can be verified through historical documents related to Peak Road in Sheung Wan and the various buildings atop the peak. Later, the foothills of Victoria Peak were divided into Central and Sheung Wan, which developed into the central business district, while the mid-levels became known as Mid-Levels, a high-end residential area. The summit became the residence of wealthy individuals and some foreign consuls, with many mansions built there, and in modern times, it has been developed into a tourist attraction. As a result, Victoria Peak and The Peak have become almost synonymous.

Within Hong Kong, people often refer to the summit of Victoria Peak as The Peak or Victoria Peak Summit. However, the commonly understood area of The Peak is not entirely geographically accurate. Most people consider the area around the Peak Tram's upper terminus as "The Peak." In reality, the area around the terminus is actually the Peak Gorge, while the true summit is located at Victoria Peak Garden. On maps, the summit can be further subdivided based on terrain into Victoria Peak (Victoria Peak), Peak Gorge, Mount Gough, Magazine Gap, and Mount Kellett.

History

In the early days of the colony, due to inconvenient transportation, people had to rely on sedan chairs to go up and down the mountain, so there were not many residents at the summit, with only about 40 households in the 1880s. Later, because of the peak’s beautiful scenery and cool climate, it gradually attracted more expatriates to live there. To meet the transportation demand, the Peak Tram commenced operation in 1888. Then, in 1904, the Hong Kong government enacted a law prohibiting Chinese people from living on the peak, which was not abolished until 1947.

In 1867, then-Governor of Hong Kong Sir Richard MacDonnell selected the peak as the site for a summer retreat, known as the Governor's Peak Cottage. The cottage was rebuilt in 1902 but gradually fell into disuse from the 1930s, suffered damage during the Japanese occupation, and was eventually demolished in 1946, leaving only the guardhouse. The original site was turned into Victoria Peak Garden.

Additionally, in 1873, the Peak Hotel opened. Its operator was Alexander Findlay Smith, who later proposed the idea of building the Peak Tram. However, the hotel was destroyed by fire in 1938 and was never rebuilt. The site later became a bus terminus and was converted into The Peak Galleria in December 1989.

Evolution of the mountain’s name

Legend has it that during the Jiaqing era, pirate Cheung Po Tsai occupied Hong Kong Island and set up camps to the east and west at the foot of the mountain. He used this peak as a watchtower; when he spotted merchant ships passing by at sea, he would signal the camps below with flags to dispatch boats for raids. Hence the name "Cheung Kai Shan" (Flag-Raising Mountain, or “Chifeng Shan” in Mandarin).

In 1842, when Hong Kong officially came under British rule, the British raised the Union Jack flag on the peak to assert sovereignty, which is another explanation for the origin of the name "Flag-Raising Mountain."

Later, the British renamed the mountain Austin Hill after John Gardiner Austin, who served as the Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong from May 7, 1868, to April 4, 1878. It was subsequently renamed Victoria Peak after Queen Victoria, and the English name has been retained to this day.