First launched on 30 May 1888, the Peak Tram has carried generations of locals and visitors up to Victoria Peak while watching Hong Kong grow around it. What began as a practical transport link has become part of the city’s identity, appearing in family photos, tourist memories and countless first visits to The Peak.
For many people, the ride is not just about reaching the top. It is the steep climb, the city tilting outside the window and the feeling that you are travelling through a piece of old Hong Kong before stepping out to see the skyline.
Six Generations Of The Peak Tram In Hong Kong
Over the past 138 years, the Peak Tram has gone through six generations, each reflecting a different chapter of Hong Kong’s story.
The first-generation tram operated from 1888 to 1926, in a very different Hong Kong, when reaching The Peak was still a major journey. With wooden carriages and steam power, the tram was seen as a bold piece of engineering for its time.
The second generation ran from 1926 to 1948 and brought the system into a more modern era with electric operation. Its story also crossed one of Hong Kong’s darkest chapters, as services were disrupted during the war years before the city slowly returned to daily life.
The third generation, from 1948 to 1957, arrived as Hong Kong was rebuilding and moving forward again. It also had a small brush with cinema history, appearing in the 1955 Hollywood film Soldier of Fortune, starring Clark Gable and Susan Hayward.
The fourth generation, from 1957 to 1989, became part of Hong Kong’s post-war growth. As the city became busier and more vertical, the tram remained one of the most memorable ways to see it from above.
For many Hongkongers, the fifth generation is the Peak Tram they remember best. Running from 1989 to 2021, its burgundy carriages became a familiar sight in postcards, travel guides and family photo albums.
The current sixth-generation tram was introduced in 2022 after a major upgrade. More spacious and modern, it still keeps the classic feeling of climbing slowly up Victoria Peak while the city opens up below.
Peak Tram 138th Anniversary Events And HK$138 Flash Sale
To celebrate the milestone, The Peak Tram is launching a 138th anniversary campaign from 30 May 2026.
Guests can take part in the Peak Tram 138 photo contest by sharing their favourite memories of the tram and The Peak on social media from 30 May to 30 June. The idea fits the anniversary well, as the Peak Tram is one of those places many people remember through old photos, family visits and first trips with friends.
In June, The Peak Tower will also host HSBC Life Illuminations at The Peak, a 3D projection mapping show staged at one of Hong Kong’s most famous viewpoints. It will add a visual celebration to the anniversary, turning the Peak Tram’s birthday into more than a transport milestone, but a reminder of how closely this ride is tied to the city’s skyline, memory and identity.
There will also be a HK$138 flash sale for the Peak Tram Special Combo, which includes a return Peak Tram ticket and single admission to Sky Terrace 428. The offer runs from 30 May to 5 June, with visits valid from 30 May to 29 June. Adult tickets are priced at HK$138, while child and senior tickets are HK$90.
Header Image Credit: The Peak | Boxing Promotions Limited