The Peak: An Illustrated History of Hong Kongs Top District [Hardcover]

As a civil engineer, historian, Peak resident for decades, and someone who knows the Peak area inside out, no one is better qualified than Richard Garrett to write about it. The result is a well-illustrated account containing a wealth of carefully researched and accurate facts that cannot fail but interest those who would like to know more about this fascinating and historic part of Hong Kong.The Peak is Hong Kongs top residential district, where property prices are as high as the altitude. How did it become an exclusive enclave in the business center of 19th-century Asia? The British wanted relief from summer heat and the Peak was the obvious place to escape it. The Governor adopted Mountain Lodge as a summer getaway, and the Peak Tram made access easier. This book describes the popular tourist area then and now.The Peak is Hong Kongs top residential district, where property prices are as high as the altitude. How did it become an exclusive enclave in the bustling business center of 19th-century Asia?The British wanted relief from summer heat and the Peak was the obvious place to escape it. When the Governor adopted Mountain Lodge as a summer getaway, development accelerated and the opening of the Peak Tram in 1888 made access easier. Gradually a community developed and a church, a club and a school were established.This book describes how the now-popular tourist area developed over time and adapted as needs changed.CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTIONCHAPTER 2: FROM BARREN ROCK TO EXCLUSIVE REAL ESTATEMountain LodgeInitial AccessThe Early Building LotsThe Peak TramThe Building BoomPeak RestrictionsClimate ControlThe War and BeyondCHAPTER 3: SEDAN CHAIR PATH TO MOTOR ROADAddressesThe Early RoadsLate Nineteenth Century AdditionsMilitary RoadsTwentieth Century AdditionsThe Arrival of the Motor CarGarages and Filling StationsThe Final AdditionsCHAPTER 4: SECLUSION ON MOUNT KELLETT ROADMount KellettMount Kellett Road from Jardines Corner  Right Hand (West) SideMount Kellett Roals)