More than 280,000 visitors have enjoyed the scenic 5.7 km-long cable way journey in Hong Kong's Ngong Ping since the cable car opened in its testing period on Sept. 18, the cable car operator announced Thursday.

 

"Ngong Ping 360" cable car, the longest of its kind in Asia, held its official opening ceremony Thursday at Ngong Ping village on Lantau Island in the west of Hong Kong.

 

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Henry Tang said at the opening ceremony that the opening of "Ngong Ping 360" brings about another brand new tourist attraction to Hong Kong. The cable car ride connecting Ngong Ping to Tung Chung offers a spectacular panoramic view of the beautiful landscape of Lantau Island, which is simply irresistible.

 

Tang also said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will continue to invest in the tourism infrastructure and improve the quality of service to strengthen Hong Kong's position as the premier destination for visitors in Asia and in the world.

 

Ken Chapman, chairman of "Ngong Ping 360" operator Skyrail-ITM Ltd., said that they had tried their best to improve the service and ensure the safety of the cable car.

 

Ngong Ping cable car, located in Hong Kong's biggest Island of Lantau, travels between its Tung Chung and Ngong Ping terminals. It combines a stunning 5.7 kilometers cable car journey with an cultural themed village. It is a visually spectacular 25-minute experience providing panoramic views of the Tian Tan Buddha statue, the world's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha, as well as Tung Chung Bay and the Hong Kong International Airport.

 

According to statistics from HKSAR government, Hong Kong's tourism industry continues to perform well this year. Visitor arrivals increased by nearly 10 percent in the first nine months to about 19 million. Arrivals from the mainland were particularly strong and grew by 11 percent to 10 million.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2006)