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(CNN) — Hong Kong’s Peak Tram, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and the oldest funicular in Asia, will reopen to the public on August 27 after being closed for more than a year.
In the year The tram, which has been transporting locals and tourists to the top of Hong Kong Island since 1888, is now in its sixth incarnation.
Among the new cars added to the attraction are longer cars, which means the tram can now carry up to 200 people per ride. The entire area — from the ticket line to the train car — has been made step-free to better accommodate wheelchair and wheelchair users.
Located near the US Consulate in central Hong Kong, the visitor’s entrance is equipped with multimedia exhibits that trace the tram’s history from the Victorian era to the present.
While waiting in line to board, guests can watch an animated video featuring some of the animals that call Peek home, including frogs, birds, pigs and wild boar.
According to the artist, Eye of Infinity represents Hong Kong’s “spirit of ascension.”
Peak Tramways Company Limited
The stone sculpture, the Eye of Infinity, by Australian-Chinese artist Lindy Li, now graces the ticket entrance.
In just a few minutes, hikers climb to 396 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level, a maximum of 25.7 degrees.
Guests in the last car can choose to drive back up the hill for an unobstructed view, but there’s no bad place to sit.
On the east side of Tram Tram Tram, keep an eye out for two old peak tram cars — versions four and five, respectively — and the giant yellow pulleys that power the tram.
The sixth generation tram cars replace the previous black-and-red.
Peak Tramways Company Limited
During British colonial times, the Peak was reserved for Westerners, who carried up the hill in sedan chairs. The first tram had three separate seating areas — one for the white foreigners living in these special addresses, one for the police and soldiers tasked with keeping the area safe, and the last for the servants of the Great Peak Houses.
The law barring locals from The Peak was finally repealed in 1947.
Nowadays, you’re just as likely to see locals walking their dogs as tourists looking up at the observation deck at the summit. The most famous structure is the Peak Galleria mall, designed to look like a giant wok.
Travelers who want to explore further can choose to take the tram to the top and then hike or walk down one of the many trails.
The total cost of the renovation was 799 million HKD ($102 million).
Tickets, priced at HK$47 ($6 US) one way for adults and HK$24 ($3) for children and seniors, can be purchased online in advance.
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