Sunset at Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

 January 9, 2026

The central business district in Hong Kong is called simply "Central." Rising steeply from Central, Victoria Peak looms over the city. The first mile or so walking up the hill is through steep city streets. The second half is on Old Peak Rd., closed to cars, through the forested hillside. Two Chinese guys and I had a similar pace; they would pause, I would catch up, then vise versa &c.

The Peak noise began suddenly as you mounted some steps and saw two crowded malls (1). Most people ride up on the Peak Tram (really a funicular). Looking west the sun set over the islands and bays to the west; the crowd enjoying the natural show. The hike up was 3 miles with more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain. I had thought to take the tram down, but the line shortly after sunset dissuaded me. The path was lighted and there was usually at keast one person within shouting distance, abd so.e people ascending after dark. Overall, 6 miles up and down today.

(1) What better to put on a scenic, wooded summit than two malls?

Skinny, double decker trolleys in Central

Catholic Cathedral

On the right road

The Upper character is transliterated as "shan" and means mountain.

Old Peak Rd., now a pedestrian path

View of the city on the ascent

The sunset from the Peak. Hong Kong reported its lowest ever January humidity at 17% at 4:00 this afternoon, making the skies especially clear

In the gloaming

The city & harbor on the descent

Back at Central