Hong Kong at the peak of its powers

Hong Kong's throbbing metropolis has long been an exciting destination for travellers and now there are new ways of seeing a city that is as vibrant as it is peaceful.

Those wanting to gaze upon Hong Kong from on high can, from mid-2006, go to the popular and new-and-improved Peak Tower.

The viewing gallery at the Peak has for years pulled in millions of tourists eager to see the spectacular views Hong Kong has to offer.

However, the views will be getting more impressive once the new gallery is in place, as it is being moved from the fifth floor of the tower to the top floor, giving a 360 degree panoramic view of Hong Kong's cityscape.

Visitors can stand in the unique wok-shaped summit of the Peak, a whole 396 metres above the ground, but that is not all that is being cooked up for tourists.

A total of HK$100 million is being spent on revitalising the Peak, with an entertainment centre including Madame Tussauds, restaurants, cafes and plenty of shops.

For another bird's eye view of Hong Kong, a stunning 5.7 kilometre cable car ride is opening in mid-2006, which will take intrepid sight-seers from Lantau Island to Ngong Ping.

The Ngong Ping 360 will offer dramatic views of valleys, peaks, the South China Sea and the Giant Buddha, during its 25 minute journey.

The trip does not end when the cable car reaches its destination however, as there is much to enjoy in Ngong Ping itself, with a well-stocked and traditional tea house, Monkey's Tale Theatre and exhibits shedding light on Buddhism and a more traditional Chinese way of life.

For more information on the Peak, visit www.thepeak.com.hk, and to find out more about the Ngong Ping 360, visit www.np360.com.hk.

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