Then and Now in Hong Kong - Lugard Road Victoria Peak
Lugard Road and The Lugard Road Lookout at Victoria Peak
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years - I know the place.
I have personally completed 2,340+ Private Tours and Experiences (over 6,500+ guests) since April 2011 and I am considered one of the finest Private Tour Guides in Asia.
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Then and Now in Hong Kong - Lugard Road Victoria Peak
Lugard Road and The Lugard Road Lookout at Victoria Peak
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The Lugard Road Lookout on Lugard Road Victoria Peak - 1960’s
As you may know I have recently started to use AI as a research tool, I am a typical writer and I get writers block when confronted with a blank screen, AI is proving very helpful in getting me the information I need and it saves me an awful lot of time which means I can pump out more blog posts!
So, all of this is AI generated text and I have NOT altered it however I had added some comments of my own based on the fact that I have been to Victoria Peak over 6,000 times since 1972! and some of the facts stated I take issue with.
Please note on some of the text I have made comments in BLUE TEXT - it highlights the problem with AI and Google Search and that is lack of local knowledge and quite inaccurate comments.
This wonderful image above is another image is seared into my memory of Hong Kong back when we arrived on January 2nd 1972, we visited Victoria Peak the next day on a coach tour and the friendly tour guide gave us an hour to explore the Peak on our own (!) and gave us instructions on how to get to the Lugard Road Lookout, the view in the amazing image above was pretty much our introduction to Hong Kong, it is a tad different in 2025!
Please note and look at the image very carefully, the Lugard Road Lookout has NO signposts and it is exactly where the 2 people are at the top of the image and NOT where the family is in the foreground. My how to instructions are very explicit.
The History of Lugard Road and Lugard Road Lookout at Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
Lugard Road, located on Victoria Peak (also known as The Peak), is a historic and scenic walking trail that encircles the highest point on Hong Kong Island, offering panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong skyline, and Kowloon. Named after Sir Frederick Lugard, the 14th Governor of Hong Kong (1907–1912), the road and its prominent viewpoint, the Lugard Road Lookout, have a rich history tied to the colonial era, urban development, and tourism in Hong Kong. Below is a comprehensive account of their history, from construction to modern significance.
Early Context: Victoria Peak and Colonial Development
Victoria Peak, standing at 552 meters, is the tallest hill on Hong Kong Island and has long been a prestigious residential and recreational area due to its cooler climate and commanding views. In the 19th century, during British colonial rule, the Peak attracted European residents seeking respite from the subtropical heat of the city below. The area was initially accessible only by sedan chairs carried up steep slopes, limiting development until the opening of the Peak Tram in 1888, which spurred residential growth.
Between 1904 and 1930 (or 1949!), the Peak Reservation Ordinance restricted the Peak to non-Chinese residents, reinforcing its status as an exclusive colonial enclave. Notable residences, such as the Governor’s summer residence (Mountain Lodge, now the site of Victoria Peak Garden), were built, and the Peak became a symbol of colonial prestige.
The History and Construction of Lugard Road
Lugard Road, located on Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, was indeed constructed in two phases, with work occurring between 1913–1914 and 1919–1921. Below is a detailed confirmation of its history based on available information.
Most AI or Google searches only ever mention that Lugard Road was built between 1913 and 1914 and many Tour Companies still get this wrong but my life is devoted to Hong Kong research, so I asked AI to double check my assertion that the Road was built in 2 phases
Overview:
Location and Purpose: Lugard Road is a 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile) semi-circular road on Victoria Peak, approximately 400 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level. Named after Sir Frederick Lugard, Governor of Hong Kong from 1907 to 1912, it was primarily built as a scenic promenade to offer panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, the city, and surrounding areas. It forms part of Stage 1 of the Hong Kong Trail and is a popular walking path due to its stunning vistas and dense tree cover with tropical vegetation.
…. and Lugard Road links up with Harlech Road to complete the Peak Circular Walk
Construction Timeline:
First Phase (1913–1914):
Construction began in June 1913, initiated by the Public Works Department (PWD), which issued an invitation for sealed tenders by June 2, 1913, to build a section of roadway from Victoria Gap to High West Gap. The estimated cost for the entire 2,462-meter (8,076-foot) road was HK$55,000, though only a portion was completed in this phase.
By the end of 1913, an 860-meter (2,820-foot) section was completed at a cost of HK$11,373, as noted in the PWD’s 1913 annual report. This section was relatively level, contouring the hillside below Mount Austin Barracks until it reached a point below Bishop’s Lodge.The road was officially named Lugard Road in 1914, as decided by the Legislative Council (LegCo) on October 22, 1914.Work was nearly completed by the end of 1913, with only surfacing and railings remaining, but further progress was halted due to World War I (1914–1918), which paused non-essential projects.
Second Phase (1919–1921):
Construction resumed in January 1919 after the war ended. The remaining section was more challenging due to the rocky and precipitous nature of the hillside, requiring significant engineering efforts such as chiseling rock to create a plank road supported by stone piles.
The entire road was completed in March 1921, with a total project cost of HK$88,165, higher than the initial estimate due to the difficult terrain.The final stages included finishing touches like railings, as evidenced by photos from 1921 showing the piered section of the road in its final stages of completion.
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The Lugard Road Lookout on Lugard Road Victoria Peak - 1914 onwards
The concrete barriers have been replaced by more sturdy steel barriers and the road has been repaved a few times and there are a lot more trees in 2025 but Lugard Road has not changed all that much over the past century or so
Key Features and Challenges:
The road’s construction was described as a significant engineering feat, particularly for the second phase, due to the steep and rocky terrain. It was noted as “the greatest project of man-made conquest of nature” in some sources, highlighting the effort to carve a path along the northern slope of Victoria Peak.
Lugard Road was designed primarily as a pedestrian promenade rather than a vehicular road, with a width of approximately 3 meters at its widest and less than 2 meters at its narrowest, making it unsuitable for most vehicular traffic except for residents with special permits.The road connects Victoria Gap in the east to the Hatton Road-Harlech Road junction in the west, forming a circuit around The Peak with Harlech Road.
One of the things I get irritated by is Travel Bloggers who state that Lugard Road is not a road and there is no vehicular access, I love that people write or post videos of their time in Hong Kong but they have probably only been to Hong Kong once and this does not make them experts! I have been watching vehicles trundle along Lugard Road for 53 years and the the photo’s to prove it
Historical Context and Usage:
Lugard Road was intended to provide access to a few building sites but primarily served as a scenic promenade, offering unobstructed views of Hong Kong’s skyline, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon.
Despite its prestigious location, few houses were built along the road due to its narrow width and the challenging escarpments, which made construction difficult. Notable properties include No. 1 Lugard Road (Peak Tramways Office, built c. 1927, Grade III historic building) and No. 27 Lugard Road (a neo-classical mansion built in 1914, Grade II historic building).
The road’s historical significance is enhanced by its barrier-free design, making it accessible for wheelchair users, and its integration into the Hong Kong Trail, with interpretive signage about local flora, fauna, and history.
…. and I should point out that there is NOT a single shelter on Lugard Road to the Lugard Road Lookout spot to protect you from rain, there are no toilet facilities either and most importantly, no seating other than one concrete bench which accommodates 2 people!
Discrepancies in Sources:
Some sources, such as, suggest that construction of No. 27 Lugard Road was completed in 1916 rather than 1914, which aligns with the timeline of the first phase of road construction, as the road’s completion in 1914 would have facilitated access for building. However, most sources, including,, and, confirm the house was built in 1914.
There is a minor inconsistency in the initial cost estimate (HK$50,000 in vs. HK$55,000 in,,), but the final cost of HK$88,165 in 1921 is consistently reported.
Confirmation of Two-Phase Construction
The construction of Lugard Road in two distinct phases is well-documented:
1913 - 1914: The first section (860 meters) was completed from Victoria Gap to High West Gap, costing HK$11,373, with work starting in June 1913 and largely finished by the end of 1913, though paused in 1914 due to World War I.
1919 - 1921 Work resumed in January 1919 and was completed in March 1921, covering the more challenging remaining section, with a total cost of HK$88,165.This two-phase timeline is supported by multiple sources, including historical records from the PWD and Legislative Council minutes, as well as photographic evidence of the construction process.
Conclusion
The history of Lugard Road’s construction is confirmed to have occurred in two phases: 1913–1914 for the initial 860-meter section and 1919–1921 for the completion of the 2.4-kilometer road, with a total cost of HK$88,165. The road’s development was interrupted by World War I, and its challenging terrain made it a notable engineering achievement, primarily designed as a scenic promenade rather than a vehicular road.
Early Development Along Lugard Road
Lugard Road quickly became a prestigious address, with several historic buildings constructed along or near it, reflecting the Peak’s elite status. Some notable properties include:
No. 1 Lugard Road: Built around 1927 as a workshop for the Peak Tramways Company, this small, white Grade II historic building has an unusual arrowhead shape. An additional floor was added in 1953, and it continues to serve as offices for the Peak Tramways Company. It was listed as a Grade III historic building in 2010.
No. 26 Lugard Road (Bishop’s Lodge): A dwelling constructed around 1890 on Rural Building Lot 52, purchased in 1899 by Joseph Charles Hoare, then Bishop of Victoria, for HK$34,000. Named Bishop’s Lodge, it was owned by Hoare’s wife after his death in a 1906 typhoon and sold in 1917 to Robert Hotung for HK$20,830. Hotung surrendered the lease to the Crown in 1950.
No. 27 Lugard Road: The oldest house on Lugard Road, this neo-classical two-story Grade I historic residence was built in 1914 by British architect Lennox Godfrey Bird, who purchased the plot for HK$2,160. It sold in 2023 for HK$550 million, reflecting the Peak’s status as one of the world’s most expensive residential areas.
No. 35 Lugard Road (Victoria Gap Substation): Constructed in 1928 by the Hongkong Electric Company, this four-story neo-Georgian building serves as an electric substation and staff residence. The ground floor houses the plant, with flats on the upper levels.
The Peak Lookout Restaurant: Located near Lugard Road, this Grade II historic building began as a workshop and shelter for British engineers during the Peak Tram’s construction in 1888. From 1902, it served as a sedan chair shelter, and in 1947, it was converted into an open-air garden café. Its English country cottage style, with stone walls and arched windows, reflects late Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
These buildings highlight Lugard Road’s role as a hub of colonial infrastructure and elite residences, with many surviving as historic landmarks.
My Victoria Peak Blog Posts pretty much cover all the buildings above
Evolution of Lugard Road Lookout
The Lugard Road Lookout, located about a 20 minute walk (1 kilometer) from the Peak Tower, emerged as the road’s most iconic viewpoint. While the exact date of its establishment as a named lookout is unclear, its history is intertwined with the road’s development and the Peak’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.
So please take this into account, it is a gentle 20 minute walk there and 20 minute walk back, there is one section (not very long) that is a little steep but if I can manage it you can manage it and my insider tip, you have to walk past the single concrete bench and walk for another minute to get to the lookout spot, thousands of people stop at the wrong place!! the concrete bench is key and you cannot miss it, remember walk past it and the view will come into focus, you will know it when you see it
Early Recognition:
The lookout’s panoramic 180-degree views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island, and Kowloon were noted as early as the road’s completion in 1914. By the 1950s, photographs show families visiting the site, indicating its use as a scenic spot. A 1972 visitor described the lookout as it appeared then, with more trees than today, suggesting it was already a known vantage point.
I hope they are not misquoting me here! there are significantly more trees on Lugard Road in 2025 than there was in 1972!!
Naming and Popularity:
The lookout likely gained its name informally as visitors gravitated to the spot where the tree line opens up, offering unobstructed views. By the late 20th century, it was consistently referred to as the Lugard Road Lookout in guidebooks and tourism materials. Its popularity grew with the rise of photography, as it offered a free alternative to the paid Sky Terrace 428 at the Peak Tower.Physical Characteristics: The lookout is a small, open area approximately 8 meters wide, accessible after a short walk from the Peak Tower. It is less crowded than the Peak Tower’s viewing platforms and provides a closer, more intimate view of the skyline, with skyscrapers appearing to rise through the forest foliage. The site is particularly favored by photographers for sunrise and sunset shots, with the sun rising over the harbor and city lights creating a dazzling nighttime spectacle.
The fact that the Lugard Road Lookout is free is largely irrelevant but for context the Peak Tower 428 Sky Terrace where most people go for the view (probably about 99% of all visitors) charges roughly US$10 for an adult which is highway robbery for a totally inferior view, again, read my blog posts
Lugard Road and Lookout in the 20th Century
Throughout the 20th century, Lugard Road and its lookout evolved from a colonial promenade to a public recreational trail and tourist attraction.
Post-WWII Changes: After World War II, the 1947 (or 1949) repeal of the Peak District Reservation Ordinance allowed non-Europeans to live on the Peak, diversifying the area’s demographics. Robert Hotung, a prominent Chinese businessman, had already resided at Ho Tung Gardens on Peak Road, challenging earlier restrictions due to his mixed-race status.
Tourism Boom: The Peak Tram’s modernization and the opening of the Peak Tower (first in the 1950s, rebuilt in 1997, and renovated in 2005) made Victoria Peak a major tourist destination. However, the Lugard Road Lookout remained relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, known primarily to locals and avid hikers until the late 20th century.
Environmental and Cultural Significance: Lugard Road’s dense tree cover, banyan roots, and Indian rubber trees create a natural tunnel in some sections, offering a contrast to the urban skyline. The road’s “plank roads” (narrow cliff-side paths) and original pillars are remnants of early 20th-century engineering. The trail also passes Lugard Falls, a seasonal waterfall that varies from a trickle to a torrent depending on rainfall.
Modern Significance and Usage
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The absolute greatest hidden gem | secret spot in Hong Kong, the Lugard Road Lookout at Victoria Peak in 2025 and only a miniscule number of tourists actually take the time to go there for the greatest panoramic city view in the world today.
Today, Lugard Road and the Lugard Road Lookout are celebrated as some of Hong Kong’s best free attractions, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and urban vistas.
Tourism and Photography: The lookout is renowned for its 180-degree panoramic views, often described as superior to the 90-degree view from the Peak Tower’s Sky Terrace 428, which charges an admission fee (HK$78 for adults as of 2025). Tripadvisor reviews highlight the lookout’s appeal, though it has only 9 reviews compared to 36,304 for Victoria Peak overall, underscoring its status as a hidden gem.
Basically this paragraph has been taken and reworded from my blog posts, the view from the Peak Tower 428 Sky Terrace and the other 2 free viewpoints is vastly INFERIOR to the Lugard Road Lookout.
Accessibility: Lugard Road is easily accessible from the Peak Tower, reachable by the Peak Tram bus 15, taxi, or on foot via trails like the Old Peak Road. The flat, paved trail is family-friendly and barrier-free in parts, with recent improvements like wheelchair access at the High West Picnic Area.
However, some observation decks and signage remain less accessible.Peak Circle Walk: The road forms part of the Peak Circle Walk, a 3.5-kilometer loop combining Lugard and Harlech Roads. The walk takes about an hour and is popular with joggers, hikers, and tourists. It offers diverse views, from the northern harbor to the southern South China Sea, and is recommended for sunset or twilight to capture the city’s transition to night.
Real Estate Prestige: Properties along Lugard Road remain among Hong Kong’s most expensive. A 2024 sale of a two-story house on Lugard Road for HK$838 million (US$107 million) underscores the area’s enduring exclusivity.
Cultural and Media Presence: The Peak, including Lugard Road, has appeared in films like The Dark Knight (2008), showcasing Hong Kong’s skyline. The lookout’s photogenic quality makes it a favorite for Instagram and travel blogs, with recommendations to visit at sunrise for solitude or sunset for vibrant city lights.
Challenges and Preservation
Despite its popularity, Lugard Road and the lookout face a few challenges:
Crowds and Commercialization: While the lookout is less crowded than the Peak Tower, sunset hours can be busy, especially on weekends. The Peak’s commercialization, with shops and attractions like Madame Tussauds, contrasts with Lugard Road’s tranquil appeal.
Less crowded is an understatement, there are times when I am on Lugard Road and do not see another soul and yes Lugard Road is busy with Hong Kong residents (not tourists) doing their favourite walk on weekends.
Environmental Concerns: The trail’s natural foliage, including banyan and rubber trees, requires maintenance to preserve its ecological and aesthetic value. Seasonal hazards like typhoons or heavy rain can affect Lugard Falls and trail conditions.
Historical Preservation: Historic buildings along Lugard Road, such as No. 1 and No. 27, are protected as Grade II and Grade I structures, respectively. However, balancing development with conservation remains a priority as the Peak evolves.
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This is just part of the amazing panoramic view at The Lugard Road Lookout on Lugard Road at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, you get really amazing views to the left and the right which are simply NOT seen at the other 3 viewpoints - 2025
Conclusion
Lugard Road and the Lugard Road Lookout are integral to Victoria Peak’s historical and cultural fabric. From its origins as a colonial promenade built in 1913–1914 and 1919 - 1921, to its current status as a world-class walking trail and viewpoint, Lugard Road embodies Hong Kong’s blend of nature, history, and urban splendor. Named after Sir Frederick Lugard, the road has witnessed the Peak’s transformation from an exclusive enclave to a global tourist destination. The lookout, with its free, breathtaking 180-degree views, remains a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and less commercialized experience of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.
For visitors, the road offers a flat, accessible trail rich with colonial relics, lush foliage, and unparalleled vistas, best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect Hong Kong’s past with its vibrant present, making it a timeless treasure on Victoria Peak
My insider tip 1
Please note that I know a bit about Victoria Peak in Hong Kong (or the Peak) I have written many blog posts on the subject to assist visitors to Hong Kong, if you go to this sites menu and click on the link Victoria Peak Hong Kong you will see the links to all of my blog posts, I pretty much cover everything of note. There are also 4 How To Get To Guides related to Victoria Peak, click the appropriate link on the site menu
My insider tip 2
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Consultants Hong Kong | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong |
| 2010 - 2025 All rights reserved. |
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