Route 9 - Peak Walking Tour Flashcards

Question 1

Q

Route 9 - Points to mention

7 Bulletpoints - 10 Minutes

Answer

A

Candidate leads tour group to an appropriate place for pre-walking tour briefing.
The Peak Galleria
The Peak Tower
Peak Tram
Lions Pavilion
Reminder of time and place of gathering, location of toilets and dining facilities
Candidate leads the tour group return to the coach and count the number of group members. Then inform the examiner the walking tour is completed.

Question 2

Q

What to include in the walking tour briefing.

4 Bulletpoints

Answer

A

The briefing includes
* the length of stay:
* place of gathering:
* location of toilets and
* dining facilities:

Question 3

Q

Peak Galleria

Answer

A

1. Overview: A scenic spot popular with both tourists and locals.

2. History:
* Built on the site of the former Peak Hotel (1873-1938), situated at the Peak.
* Built by Hang Lung Properties,
* Originally completed in 1993 and
* Renovated in 2019.

3. Architecture:
* Unique three-story shopping arcade with modernist all-glass curtain wall.
* Gem-like curved exterior reflecting Victoria Harbour’s cityscape.
* First-of-its-kind level-ground fountain at the Piazza.
* Daytime reflections and night-time lighting create a stunning visual effect.

4. Observation Deck:
* Located on the third floor, offering free access to breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour.
* Provides telescopes for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Victoria Harbour to the north
* Larger area than that of the Peak Tower

5. Shopping & Eateries:
* Houses close to 60 new signature retail and dining brands popular brands.
* Among the numerous prestigious tenants is the world’s first Monopoly-themed pavilion, Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong.
* Airconditioning!

Question 4

Q

Peak Tower

Answer

A

1. Overview:
* An iconic architectural landmark at Victoria Peak.
* Distinctive bowl-shaped design by British architect Terry Farrell.
* Because the architects sought a design which would be prominent on the skyline but would not interrupt the natural line of the hills, they chose a site in a dip along the line of the hills, and restricted the tower’s height to 428 m above sea level.
* Completed in 1997 and renovated in 2005.

2. Sky Terrace 428:
* Highest 360-degree observation deck in Hong Kong.
* Stands at 428 meters above sea level with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. (hence the name)
* Tickets can be bought separately or as part of a Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428 combo for a better deal.
* Operating hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
* However, for a free alternative, visitors can go to the observation deck at Peak Galleria, which also offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour.

3. Attractions & Facilities:
* Madame Tussauds Hong Kong – Features over 100 celebrity wax figures.
* Peak Tram Terminus – The upper station for the historic Peak Tram.
* Shopping and dining options with a mix of international brands and local cuisine.
* One of the most photographed locations in Hong Kong.

Question 5

Q

Peak Tram

Answer

A

1. Overview:
* The Peak Tram is a historic funicular railway in Hong Kong, operating since 1888, being the first funicular railway in Asia.
* Running from Garden Road Admiralty to Victoria Peak via the Mid-Levels, it provides the most direct route and offers good views over the harbour and skyscrapers of Hong Kong.

2. Route:
* Covers a distance of about 1.4 kilometres and an elevation of just under 400 metres.
* Maximum Gradient: 48%.
* Stations: Six stations along the route.
* Sixth generation’s capacity: Each tram can carry up to 210 passengers.
* Journey Time: Approximately 5 minutes.

3. Prior to Peak Tram:
* Sedan chairs were primary mode of transport to The Peak before the Peak Tram’s inauguration in 1888.
* Consisted of bamboo chairs mounted on poles, carried by two bearers on their shoulders.
* The ascent via winding mountain paths could take several hours.
* The journey cost approximately 3 silver dollars, equivalent to a commoner’s monthly income.

4. History:
* Originally powered by a static steam engine; electrified in 1926.
* Survived natural disasters and wartime damage, showcasing resilience.

5. Recent Developments:
* Underwent a significant upgrade and reopened on 27 August 2022.
* New tram carriages were installed, with longer bodies, and passenger capacity increased from 120 to 210.
* Modernized facilities and improved passenger experience.
* New: the lower three rows of the lower carriage faces the harbour. Barrier-free access.

6. Operating Hours & Ticketing:
* Daily from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
* Tickets can be purchased online or at the terminus.
* Combo tickets available for the Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428.

7. Visitor Tips:
* Sit on the right side when ascending for the best views.
* Be prepared for queues during peak hours; consider visiting during off-peak times.

The Peak Tram remains a must-experience attraction, offering a blend of historical charm and panoramic vistas of Hong Kong.

Question 6

Q

Lion Pavillion - Points to mention

Findley Road

Answer

A

1. Introduction:
* Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula opposite, the New Territories behind, and 263 outlying islands.
* Hong Kong’s total land area is approximately 1,114 square kilometers,
* Including waters, the total area is about 2,755 square kilometers.
* We are currently standing on Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, looking out at the V-shaped harbor - Victoria Harbor!

** Landmarks on HK Island**
* International Finance Centre Tower 2, HK’s 2nd tallest building (420 m, 88 floors),
* Headquarters of the HSBC, designed by famous British architect Sir Norman Foster, opened in 1986
* Bank of China Tower, designed by American-Chinese architect I.M.Pei., inspired by the pattern of a bamboo’s shoot.

3. Landmarks on Kowloon side:
* HK Cultural Centre, contains Concert Hall, Grand Theatre, Studio Theatre. Home of HK Philharmony and HK Ballet.
* The Peninsula HK, opened in 1928. Oldest and most famous luxury hotel.
* HK Space Museum, opened in 1980, astronomy museum.
* Avenue of Stars, celebrating Hong Kong’s film industry’s outstanding actors.
* Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, former Kai Tak Airport side, now accomodation for the world’s largest cruise ships.
* International Commerce Centre, 484 m tall, tallest building
* West Kowloon Cultural District (M+, Palace Museum, Xiqu Centre), world’s largest cultural and arts projects.
* West Kowloon Highspeed Terminal, opened in 2018, is a major underground high-speed rail terminus connecting Hong Kong to Mainland China’s extensive high-speed rail network.