Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak tram and Lantau Island’s Big Buddha offer two very different perspectives on the city, one over its dense skyline and one into its quieter outer islands.
Victoria Peak Tram and Skyline Views
The Peak Tram, one of the oldest funicular railways in the world, climbs steeply to Victoria Peak’s viewing terraces, offering the classic panorama of Hong Kong’s skyscraper skyline and harbor.
Ngong Ping 360 and Big Buddha
A cable car ride across Lantau Island reaches the Tian Tan Buddha, one of the largest seated bronze Buddha statues in the world, alongside the Po Lin Monastery.
Star Ferry Harbor Crossing
This century old ferry connects Hong Kong Island and Kowloon across Victoria Harbour, offering an inexpensive and iconic view of the skyline from the water.
Symphony of Lights Show
Each evening, dozens of buildings along both sides of Victoria Harbour participate in a synchronized light and laser show, best viewed from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.
Temple Street Night Market
This Kowloon market comes alive after dark with street food stalls, fortune tellers, and vendors selling everything from electronics to jade, alongside occasional outdoor Cantonese opera performances.
Book Hong Kong Tours & Tickets
From the Peak Tram’s skyline views to Lantau Island’s Big Buddha, these tours cover Hong Kong’s most iconic sights above and beyond the city center.
Lantau Island Private Tour w/ Transport & English speaking guide
Practical Tips
- The Peak Tram gets very crowded, an advance ticket or early morning visit avoids the longest queues.
- Ngong Ping 360’s cable car closes in high wind, check conditions before heading to Lantau Island.
- The Star Ferry is one of the cheapest harbor crossings in the world, a genuine bargain rather than just a tourist novelty.
- Temple Street Night Market is busiest and most atmospheric after 8pm.
FAQ
Is the Peak Tram worth the wait?
Yes, though lines can be long, the panoramic skyline views from Victoria Peak remain one of Hong Kong’s essential experiences, advance tickets help skip the queue.
How do you get to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island?
Via the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung station, or by bus, both connected to Hong Kong’s MTR subway system.
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong’s density and verticality make its viewpoints, from Victoria Peak to the Big Buddha, essential rather than optional stops for understanding the city’s scale.
In-Depth Attraction Reviews: Planning specific visits in Hong Kong? See our detailed comparison guides: Victoria Peak Tickets: Peak Tram Round Trip or Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428 Combo?.
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