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{{Infobox aerial lift line
{{Infobox aerial lift line
|name = KaiPing 360
|name = Ngong Ping 360
|image = KaiPing 360- Returning to Tung Chung.JPG
|image = Ngong Ping 360- Returning to Tung Chung.JPG
|image_width =
|image_width =
|caption =
|caption =
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|location = [[Lantau Island]], [[Hong Kong]]
|location = [[Lantau Island]], [[Hong Kong]]
|start = [[Tung Chung]]
|start = [[Tung Chung]]
|end = [[KaiPing]]
|end = [[Ngong Ping]]
|no_stations = 2
|no_stations = 2
|routes =
|routes =
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|website={{URL|np360.com.hk/en/}}}}
|website={{URL|np360.com.hk/en/}}}}


{{Chinese|pic=A cable car of KaiPing 360.jpg|align=right|picsize=300px|t=昂坪360|ci={{IPA-yue|ŋɔ̏ːŋ pʰɪ̏ŋ sáːm lʊ̀k lɪ̏ŋ|}} |j= Ngong4 Ping4 Saam1 Luk6 Ling4 |p=Ángpíng Sānliùlíng}}
{{Chinese|pic=A cable car of Ngong Ping 360.jpg|align=right|picsize=300px|t=昂坪360|ci={{IPA-yue|ŋɔ̏ːŋ pʰɪ̏ŋ sáːm lʊ̀k lɪ̏ŋ|}} |j= Ngong4 Ping4 Saam1 Luk6 Ling4 |p=Ángpíng Sānliùlíng}}


The '''KaiPing 360''' is a [[gondola lift]] on [[Lantau Island]] in Hong Kong. Intended to improve tourism to the area, the aerial lift was previously known as '''Tung Chung Cable Car Project''' before acquiring the KaiPing 360 brand in April 2005. It consists of the '''KaiPing Cable Car''', formerly known as the '''KaiPing 360 Skyrail''', and the '''KaiPing Village''', a retail and entertainment centre adjacent to the cable car's upper station.<ref>DeWolf, Christopher [http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/play/9-hong-kongs-best-and-worst-tourist-traps-535602 "9 Hong Kong tourist traps -- for better or worse"] ''CNN Go''. 27 October 2010. Retrieved 2012-03-03</ref> KaiPing 360 connects [[Tung Chung]], on the north coast of Lantau and itself linked to central Hong Kong by the [[Tung Chung Line]], with the [[KaiPing]] area in the hills above. This is home to the [[Po Lin Monastery]] and the [[Tian Tan Buddha]], both already significant tourist attractions in their own right. Before KaiPing 360's opening, the only access was via a mountain road and bus service.
The '''Ngong Ping 360''' is a [[gondola lift]] on [[Lantau Island]] in Hong Kong. Intended to improve tourism to the area, the aerial lift was previously known as '''Tung Chung Cable Car Project''' before acquiring the Ngong Ping 360 brand in April 2005. It consists of the '''Ngong Ping Cable Car''', formerly known as the '''Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail''', and the '''Ngong Ping Village''', a retail and entertainment centre adjacent to the cable car's upper station.<ref>DeWolf, Christopher [http://www.cnngo.com/hong-kong/play/9-hong-kongs-best-and-worst-tourist-traps-535602 "9 Hong Kong tourist traps -- for better or worse"] ''CNN Go''. 27 October 2010. Retrieved 2012-03-03</ref> Ngong Ping 360 connects [[Tung Chung]], on the north coast of Lantau and itself linked to central Hong Kong by the [[Tung Chung Line]], with the [[Ngong Ping]] area in the hills above. This is home to the [[Po Lin Monastery]] and the [[Tian Tan Buddha]], both already significant tourist attractions in their own right. Before Ngong Ping 360's opening, the only access was via a mountain road and bus service.


KaiPing 360 is owned by the [[MTR Corporation]], the operator of Hong Kong's rail system. It was built by [[Leitner Ropeways]] and was originally operated by [[Skyrail-ITM]]. Skyrail-ITM was removed from the project after an investigation following an incident in June 2007. It is now operated by a directly owned subsidiary of the MTR Corporation.
Ngong Ping 360 is owned by the [[MTR Corporation]], the operator of Hong Kong's rail system. It was built by [[Leitner Ropeways]] and was originally operated by [[Skyrail-ITM]]. Skyrail-ITM was removed from the project after an investigation following an incident in June 2007. It is now operated by a directly owned subsidiary of the MTR Corporation.


==History==
==History==
{{stack|float=left|
{{stack|float=left|
[[File:HKTYS ngongping360.png|thumb|left|Map of the KaiPing 360 system. The terminals are shown with the green circles]]
[[File:HKTYS ngongping360.png|thumb|left|Map of the Ngong Ping 360 system. The terminals are shown with the green circles]]
[[Image:Ngongping360 sameboat.png|thumb|left|Map of the KaiPing 360 system]]
[[Image:Ngongping360 sameboat.png|thumb|left|Map of the Ngong Ping 360 system]]
}}
}}
===Conception===
===Conception===
Following a feasibility study, the Hong Kong government issued an invitation in 2000 for detailed proposals and tender for a 30-year franchise on a [[Build-Operate-Transfer]] basis for the global project of operation, management and maintenance of a cable car system linking Tung Chung and KaiPing on Lantau Island. The Tourism Commission declared the objective of the project was to increase the range of attractions to visitors to enhance Hong Kong's position as a leading tourist destination in the region. Target timing was to identify a successful proponent by the end of 2001 and to commence operation of the cable car system before early 2006.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.hketotyo.gov.hk/japan/jp/english/tungchungcable/topic_tungchugcable.html |title=Detailed Proposals for the Tung Chung Cable Car Project invited |date=24 April 2001 |author=Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office}}</ref>
Following a feasibility study, the Hong Kong government issued an invitation in 2000 for detailed proposals and tender for a 30-year franchise on a [[Build-Operate-Transfer]] basis for the global project of operation, management and maintenance of a cable car system linking Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. The Tourism Commission declared the objective of the project was to increase the range of attractions to visitors to enhance Hong Kong's position as a leading tourist destination in the region. Target timing was to identify a successful proponent by the end of 2001 and to commence operation of the cable car system before early 2006.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.hketotyo.gov.hk/japan/jp/english/tungchungcable/topic_tungchugcable.html |title=Detailed Proposals for the Tung Chung Cable Car Project invited |date=24 April 2001 |author=Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office}}</ref>


===Construction and opening===
===Construction and opening===
Construction of the cable car project started at the beginning of 2004. The system was originally scheduled to open on 23 January 2006, but on 17 June 2006, during the trial-run with the maximum of 109 gondola cabins on the cables, a cabin arriving at KaiPing station had a slight collision with a late departing cabin. The entire system was automatically halted by the safety system, leaving 500 volunteers trapped for two hours. As a result, Skyrail-ITM postponed the opening day to fix the technical problems, tests and emergency staff drills.<ref name=HKS20060619>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=21033&sid=8468769&con_type=1&d_str=20060619&sear_year=2006 |title=Fears rise at cable car for opening day |first1=Wendy|last1=Leung|first2=Albert|last2=Wong|work=The Standard|date=19 June 2006}}</ref>
Construction of the cable car project started at the beginning of 2004. The system was originally scheduled to open on 23 January 2006, but on 17 June 2006, during the trial-run with the maximum of 109 gondola cabins on the cables, a cabin arriving at Ngong Ping station had a slight collision with a late departing cabin. The entire system was automatically halted by the safety system, leaving 500 volunteers trapped for two hours. As a result, Skyrail-ITM postponed the opening day to fix the technical problems, tests and emergency staff drills.<ref name=HKS20060619>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=21033&sid=8468769&con_type=1&d_str=20060619&sear_year=2006 |title=Fears rise at cable car for opening day |first1=Wendy|last1=Leung|first2=Albert|last2=Wong|work=The Standard|date=19 June 2006}}</ref>


After two months of improvement works and repair for the damages made by [[2006 Pacific typhoon season#Typhoon Prapiroon (Henry)|Typhoon Prapiroon]] in August 2006, KaiPing 360 resumed a trial-run of 7 days from 30 August 2006. The project director at MTR Corp and senior executives of Skyrail were at the soft opening of the facility on 18 September. In keeping with [[feng shui]] traditions, Skyrail-ITM sold just 1,688 tickets for the maiden day's run on 18 September at HK$88 each, the numbers being considered lucky. Henry Tang officiated at the grand opening of the attraction on 9 November 2006.<ref name=tsopen>{{cite news |title=Skyrail opening-day tickets sell briskly as safety fears evaporate |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=27290&sid=9873155&con_type=1&d_str=20060914&sear_year=2006 |first=Wendy |last=Leung |work=The Standard |date=14 September 2006}}</ref><ref name=HKS20060829>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=26094&sid=9631321&con_type=1&d_str=20060829&sear_year=2006 |title=Cable car operator back on line |first=Wendy |last=Leung |work=The Standard|date=29 August 2006}}</ref><ref name=HKS20060919>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=27609&sid=9978942&con_type=3&d_str=20060919&sear_year=2006 |title=KaiPing 360 gets off the ground at last |first=Wendy |last=Leung |work=The Standard|date=19 September 2006}}</ref><ref name=hkprht>{{cite web |url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200611/09/P200611090126.htm|title=Speech by FS at opening ceremony for KaiPing 360|date=9 November 2006}}</ref>
After two months of improvement works and repair for the damages made by [[2006 Pacific typhoon season#Typhoon Prapiroon (Henry)|Typhoon Prapiroon]] in August 2006, Ngong Ping 360 resumed a trial-run of 7 days from 30 August 2006. The project director at MTR Corp and senior executives of Skyrail were at the soft opening of the facility on 18 September. In keeping with [[feng shui]] traditions, Skyrail-ITM sold just 1,688 tickets for the maiden day's run on 18 September at HK$88 each, the numbers being considered lucky. Henry Tang officiated at the grand opening of the attraction on 9 November 2006.<ref name=tsopen>{{cite news |title=Skyrail opening-day tickets sell briskly as safety fears evaporate |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=27290&sid=9873155&con_type=1&d_str=20060914&sear_year=2006 |first=Wendy |last=Leung |work=The Standard |date=14 September 2006}}</ref><ref name=HKS20060829>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=26094&sid=9631321&con_type=1&d_str=20060829&sear_year=2006 |title=Cable car operator back on line |first=Wendy |last=Leung |work=The Standard|date=29 August 2006}}</ref><ref name=HKS20060919>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=27609&sid=9978942&con_type=3&d_str=20060919&sear_year=2006 |title=Ngong Ping 360 gets off the ground at last |first=Wendy |last=Leung |work=The Standard|date=19 September 2006}}</ref><ref name=hkprht>{{cite web |url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200611/09/P200611090126.htm|title=Speech by FS at opening ceremony for Ngong Ping 360|date=9 November 2006}}</ref>


===Operation===
===Operation===
[[File:KaiPing 360 Cabins.JPG|thumb|upright|KaiPing 360 cable car riding through the peak]]
[[File:Ngong Ping 360 Cabins.JPG|thumb|upright|Ngong Ping 360 cable car riding through the peak]]


After the commencement of service, system failures still occurred occasionally. Between its opening on 18 September and 27 October, eight service suspensions were recorded, prompting a legislative panel to challenge the operator's continued operation.<ref name=HKS20061028>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=30503&sid=10591219&con_type=3&d_str=20061028&sear_year=2006 |title=Pressure builds on troubled Skyrail operator |first=Chester |last=Yung |work=The Standard|date=28 October 2006}}</ref>
After the commencement of service, system failures still occurred occasionally. Between its opening on 18 September and 27 October, eight service suspensions were recorded, prompting a legislative panel to challenge the operator's continued operation.<ref name=HKS20061028>{{cite news |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=30503&sid=10591219&con_type=3&d_str=20061028&sear_year=2006 |title=Pressure builds on troubled Skyrail operator |first=Chester |last=Yung |work=The Standard|date=28 October 2006}}</ref>


A serious incident occurred on 11 June 2007, during a brake test which was part of the annual examination of the cable, when an empty cabin fell off the cable and crashed into a hilly area near Chek Lap Kok South Road. Despite the fact that there were no injuries caused, an investigation resulted in the operating company and its CEO<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.gov.hk/en/category/lawandorder/071212/html/071212en08009.htm | archive-url=https://archive.is/20070725113433/http://news.gov.hk/en/category/lawandorder/071212/html/071212en08009.htm | dead-url=yes | archive-date=25 July 2007 | title = KaiPing 360 charged for negligence | work=Hong Kong Information Services Department | date = 12 December 2007 | accessdate = 29 August 2010}} </ref> being charged with criminal negligence related to the incident, although the CEO's case was later delayed,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?id=50810&nav=109 | title = Skyrail’s former Managing Director faces charges of negligence over ‘cable car’ incident | work=e-Travel Blackboard | date = 11 January 2008 | accessdate = 29 August 2010}}</ref> and the charges against him eventually dropped altogether.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=13048&icid=3&d_str=20090306 | title = Cable car plunge blamed on improper operation of brakes | work=Hong Kong Standard | date = 6 March 2009 | accessdate = 29 August 2010}}</ref> Skyrail-ITM was removed as operator, fined HK$5,000,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20090306/news_20090306_56_564703.htm | title = Improper testing caused cable car plunge | work=RTHK English News | date = 6 March 2009 | accessdate = 29 August 2010}}</ref> and the MTR Corporation took over operational responsibility. The line remained out of service until 23 December when it underwent one week of trial run involving 40,000 visitors riding for free. It reopened officially on 31 December 2007.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/cable-car-plunges-50m-to-ground/2007/06/12/1181414269959.html | title = Hong Kong cable car plunges to ground | work=Sydney Morning Herald | date = 12 June 2007 | accessdate = 28 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.mpinews.com/htm/INews/20070611/gb12144c.htm | work=Ming Pao | title = News report on the incident | language = Chinese| accessdate = 28 November 2009}}</ref><ref>[http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200709/18/P200709180205.htm Investigation into KaiPing Skyrail cabin dislodgement completed (with video)], Press Release of Hong Kong SAR Government</ref><ref name=News.com.au>[http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22990743-23109,00.html News.com.au report on reopening] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101083838/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22990743-23109,00.html |date=1 January 2008 }}</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/trad/hi/newsid_7160000/newsid_7165500/7165589.stm BBC Chinese report on reopening (in Chinese)]</ref>
A serious incident occurred on 11 June 2007, during a brake test which was part of the annual examination of the cable, when an empty cabin fell off the cable and crashed into a hilly area near Chek Lap Kok South Road. Despite the fact that there were no injuries caused, an investigation resulted in the operating company and its CEO<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.gov.hk/en/category/lawandorder/071212/html/071212en08009.htm | archive-url=https://archive.is/20070725113433/http://news.gov.hk/en/category/lawandorder/071212/html/071212en08009.htm | dead-url=yes | archive-date=25 July 2007 | title = Ngong Ping 360 charged for negligence | work=Hong Kong Information Services Department | date = 12 December 2007 | accessdate = 29 August 2010}} </ref> being charged with criminal negligence related to the incident, although the CEO's case was later delayed,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com/article.asp?id=50810&nav=109 | title = Skyrail’s former Managing Director faces charges of negligence over ‘cable car’ incident | work=e-Travel Blackboard | date = 11 January 2008 | accessdate = 29 August 2010}}</ref> and the charges against him eventually dropped altogether.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=13048&icid=3&d_str=20090306 | title = Cable car plunge blamed on improper operation of brakes | work=Hong Kong Standard | date = 6 March 2009 | accessdate = 29 August 2010}}</ref> Skyrail-ITM was removed as operator, fined HK$5,000,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20090306/news_20090306_56_564703.htm | title = Improper testing caused cable car plunge | work=RTHK English News | date = 6 March 2009 | accessdate = 29 August 2010}}</ref> and the MTR Corporation took over operational responsibility. The line remained out of service until 23 December when it underwent one week of trial run involving 40,000 visitors riding for free. It reopened officially on 31 December 2007.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/cable-car-plunges-50m-to-ground/2007/06/12/1181414269959.html | title = Hong Kong cable car plunges to ground | work=Sydney Morning Herald | date = 12 June 2007 | accessdate = 28 November 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.mpinews.com/htm/INews/20070611/gb12144c.htm | work=Ming Pao | title = News report on the incident | language = Chinese| accessdate = 28 November 2009}}</ref><ref>[http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200709/18/P200709180205.htm Investigation into Ngong Ping Skyrail cabin dislodgement completed (with video)], Press Release of Hong Kong SAR Government</ref><ref name=News.com.au>[http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22990743-23109,00.html News.com.au report on reopening] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080101083838/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22990743-23109,00.html |date=1 January 2008 }}</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/trad/hi/newsid_7160000/newsid_7165500/7165589.stm BBC Chinese report on reopening (in Chinese)]</ref>


In April 2009, the company introduced its premium rate Crystal Cabin service, using glass-bottom cabins.<ref name=np360cc>{{cite web | url = http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/np360_exp/crystal_cabin.html | title = The NP360 Experience Crystal Cabin | publisher=KaiPing 360 | accessdate = 30 November 2009}}</ref>
In April 2009, the company introduced its premium rate Crystal Cabin service, using glass-bottom cabins.<ref name=np360cc>{{cite web | url = http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/np360_exp/crystal_cabin.html | title = The NP360 Experience Crystal Cabin | publisher=Ngong Ping 360 | accessdate = 30 November 2009}}</ref>


On 25 January 2012, KaiPing 360 was hit by a technical fault which was caused by a pulley which wasn't running smoothly, causing the automated system to grind to a halt. It said all passengers who were stranded had been brought to safety.<ref>http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20120125/news_20120125_56_814041.htm</ref>
On 25 January 2012, Ngong Ping 360 was hit by a technical fault which was caused by a pulley which wasn't running smoothly, causing the automated system to grind to a halt. It said all passengers who were stranded had been brought to safety.<ref>http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20120125/news_20120125_56_814041.htm</ref>


{{-}}
{{-}}


==KaiPing Cable Car/ Stations==
==Ngong Ping Cable Car/ Stations==
[[File:Tung Chung Terminal 1.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tung Chung Terminal]]]]
[[File:Tung Chung Terminal 1.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tung Chung Terminal]]]]
[[File:Airport angle station.jpg|thumb|right|Airport Island Angle Station]]
[[File:Airport angle station.jpg|thumb|right|Airport Island Angle Station]]
[[File:NgongPing360 Tower 5 P3.jpg|thumb|Nei Lak Shan Angle Station]]
[[File:NgongPing360 Tower 5 P3.jpg|thumb|Nei Lak Shan Angle Station]]
[[File:NgongPing360_Ngong_Ping_Station.jpg|thumb|[[KaiPing Terminal]]]]
[[File:NgongPing360_Ngong_Ping_Station.jpg|thumb|[[Ngong Ping Terminal]]]]


KaiPing Cable Car is a {{convert|5.7|km|adj=on}} long bi-cable [[gondola lift]] system (referred to by its operators as a "cable car") linking between [[Tung Chung]] (where it connects the MTR [[Tung Chung (MTR)|Tung Chung station]]) and [[KaiPing]] (where the [[Po Lin Monastery]] and [[Tian Tan Buddha]] are located).<ref name="KaiPing 360 Cable Car">[http://www.nextstophongkong.com/attractions/top-attractions/ngong-ping-360-cable-car/ "KaiPing 360 Cable Car"]</ref> Between the two terminals at Tung Chung ([[Tung Chung Terminal]]) and KaiPing, the lift system runs across the southern shore of the [[Hong Kong International Airport]] [[Chek Lap Kok|island]] and [[Nei Lak Shan]], with eight towers including the stations. Five of the towers are located within the country park.
Ngong Ping Cable Car is a {{convert|5.7|km|adj=on}} long bi-cable [[gondola lift]] system (referred to by its operators as a "cable car") linking between [[Tung Chung]] (where it connects the MTR [[Tung Chung (MTR)|Tung Chung station]]) and [[Ngong Ping]] (where the [[Po Lin Monastery]] and [[Tian Tan Buddha]] are located).<ref name="Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car">[http://www.nextstophongkong.com/attractions/top-attractions/ngong-ping-360-cable-car/ "Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car"]</ref> Between the two terminals at Tung Chung ([[Tung Chung Terminal]]) and Ngong Ping, the lift system runs across the southern shore of the [[Hong Kong International Airport]] [[Chek Lap Kok|island]] and [[Nei Lak Shan]], with eight towers including the stations. Five of the towers are located within the country park.


===Stations===
===Stations===
Line 82: Line 82:
! Date Opened
! Date Opened
|-
|-
| align=center colspan=5 |'''KaiPing 360'''
| align=center colspan=5 |'''Ngong Ping 360'''
|-
|-
| width=10 bgcolor="blue" |
| width=10 bgcolor="blue" |
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|-
|-
| bgcolor="white" |
| bgcolor="white" |
| align=center |''[[KaiPing]]''<!--[[#Construction|<sup>#</sup>]]-->
| align=center |''[[Ngong Ping]]''<!--[[#Construction|<sup>#</sup>]]-->
| align=center |
| align=center |
|}
|}


The cable car journey offers a 25-minute aerial alternative to the current one-hour journey by [[Tung Chung Road]], allowing visitors to glide across [[Tung Chung]] Bay and up to Lantau Island towards [[KaiPing]] Plateau.
The cable car journey offers a 25-minute aerial alternative to the current one-hour journey by [[Tung Chung Road]], allowing visitors to glide across [[Tung Chung]] Bay and up to Lantau Island towards [[Ngong Ping]] Plateau.


The cableway starts at the Tung Chung Terminal, runs across Tung Chung Bay to Airport Island Angle Station on [[Chek Lap Kok]], where it turns through about 60 degrees before returning across Tung Chung Bay. It then runs up the [[Lantau North Country Park]] to another angle station near [[Nei Lak Shan]] (Nei Lak Shan Angle Station), before finally descending to the [[KaiPing Terminal]].
The cableway starts at the Tung Chung Terminal, runs across Tung Chung Bay to Airport Island Angle Station on [[Chek Lap Kok]], where it turns through about 60 degrees before returning across Tung Chung Bay. It then runs up the [[Lantau North Country Park]] to another angle station near [[Nei Lak Shan]] (Nei Lak Shan Angle Station), before finally descending to the [[Ngong Ping Terminal]].


During the 25 minute journey, travellers can see panoramic views over the North Lantau Country Park, the [[South China Sea]], [[Hong Kong International Airport]], the Tung Chung valley, KaiPing Plateau and surrounding terrain and waterways. As visitors approach KaiPing, they can see The Big Buddha and the [[Po Lin Monastery]].<ref name="KaiPing 360 Cable Car"/>
During the 25 minute journey, travellers can see panoramic views over the North Lantau Country Park, the [[South China Sea]], [[Hong Kong International Airport]], the Tung Chung valley, Ngong Ping Plateau and surrounding terrain and waterways. As visitors approach Ngong Ping, they can see The Big Buddha and the [[Po Lin Monastery]].<ref name="Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car"/>


===Design===
===Design===
[[File:CCyellow1.JPG|thumb|A KaiPing 360 "Crystal Cabin". The Crystal Cabin features a glass bottom floor.]]
[[File:CCyellow1.JPG|thumb|A Ngong Ping 360 "Crystal Cabin". The Crystal Cabin features a glass bottom floor.]]


Designed by [[Aedas]], also the architect of the project,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.hkie.org.hk/ea/eng/details.asp?id=83|title=KaiPing 360 Cable Car|publisher=hkie.org.hk}}</ref> the line uses a continuous circulating twin cable aerial ropeway system, technically described as a bi-cable [[gondola lift]]. The [[Leitner Group]] was the contractor for the cable car system. Between the Tung Chung and KaiPing Terminals, the 5.7&nbsp;km cableway changes direction twice at the two angle stations, one on the south shore of [[Chek Lap Kok]]; the other west of Nei Lak Shan within the Lantau North Country Park. Whilst the gondola cabins are temporarily detached from the cables at each angle station, there are no passenger loading or unloading facilities at these points.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}
Designed by [[Aedas]], also the architect of the project,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.hkie.org.hk/ea/eng/details.asp?id=83|title=Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car|publisher=hkie.org.hk}}</ref> the line uses a continuous circulating twin cable aerial ropeway system, technically described as a bi-cable [[gondola lift]]. The [[Leitner Group]] was the contractor for the cable car system. Between the Tung Chung and Ngong Ping Terminals, the 5.7&nbsp;km cableway changes direction twice at the two angle stations, one on the south shore of [[Chek Lap Kok]]; the other west of Nei Lak Shan within the Lantau North Country Park. Whilst the gondola cabins are temporarily detached from the cables at each angle station, there are no passenger loading or unloading facilities at these points.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}


The cableway is supported by 8 towers. The cabin has a modern design with seating for 10 and standing room for another 7. It also incorporates features to meet the needs of disabled passengers, including elderly and [[wheelchair]] users. The system has a capacity of 3,500 people per hour in each direction.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}
The cableway is supported by 8 towers. The cabin has a modern design with seating for 10 and standing room for another 7. It also incorporates features to meet the needs of disabled passengers, including elderly and [[wheelchair]] users. The system has a capacity of 3,500 people per hour in each direction.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}
Line 112: Line 112:
The cable car line offers two levels of service based on different cabin designs, branded Standard Cabins and Crystal Cabins. The Crystal Cabins are distinguished by their glass bottoms, and are charged at a premium rate. Both sets of cabins circulate on the same cable, with passengers being segregated by queuing systems at both terminals.<ref name=np360cc />
The cable car line offers two levels of service based on different cabin designs, branded Standard Cabins and Crystal Cabins. The Crystal Cabins are distinguished by their glass bottoms, and are charged at a premium rate. Both sets of cabins circulate on the same cable, with passengers being segregated by queuing systems at both terminals.<ref name=np360cc />


==KaiPing Village==
==Ngong Ping Village==
The KaiPing Village, built next to the KaiPing Cable Car Terminal, occupies a 15,000 square metre site and has been designed to mirror and uphold the cultural and spiritual veracity of the KaiPing area. Traditional [[Chinese architecture|Chinese architectural designs]] are a feature of the KaiPing Village, which contains an assortment of shopping and dining experiences, on top of a number of key attractions including Walking with Buddha, the Monkey's Tale Theatre and the KaiPing Tea House. Chinese New Year, Christmas and the three days of Buddha's birthday are among the most crowded days.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}
The Ngong Ping Village, built next to the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal, occupies a 15,000 square metre site and has been designed to mirror and uphold the cultural and spiritual veracity of the Ngong Ping area. Traditional [[Chinese architecture|Chinese architectural designs]] are a feature of the Ngong Ping Village, which contains an assortment of shopping and dining experiences, on top of a number of key attractions including Walking with Buddha, the Monkey's Tale Theatre and the Ngong Ping Tea House. Chinese New Year, Christmas and the three days of Buddha's birthday are among the most crowded days.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}


KaiPing Village's international cable car gallery has cable car replicas from various countries including China, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, Austria, France, Italy, Germany etc.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indiatohongkong.com/2011/04/photo-blog-international-cable-car.html |title=KaiPing 360 Cable Car}}</ref>
Ngong Ping Village's international cable car gallery has cable car replicas from various countries including China, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, Austria, France, Italy, Germany etc.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indiatohongkong.com/2011/04/photo-blog-international-cable-car.html |title=Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050204080721/http://web.hku.hk/~cablecar/ Sustainability Advisory Board for the Tung Chung Cable Car Project]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050204080721/http://web.hku.hk/~cablecar/ Sustainability Advisory Board for the Tung Chung Cable Car Project]


{{KaiPing 360}}
{{Ngong Ping 360}}
{{MTR}}
{{MTR}}
{{Eastern Guangdong & Hong Kong transit}}
{{Eastern Guangdong & Hong Kong transit}}
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[[Category:Gondola lifts]]
[[Category:Gondola lifts]]
[[Category:KaiPing]]
[[Category:Ngong Ping]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Transport in Hong Kong]]
[[Category:Transport in Hong Kong]]

Revision as of 09:33, 21 February 2019

Ngong Ping 360
Overview
StatusOperational
SystemBi-cable gondola detachable
LocationLantau Island, Hong Kong
TerminiTung Chung
Ngong Ping
No. of stations2
Open18 September 2006
Websitenp360.com.hk/en/
Operation
OperatorMTR Corporation
Carrier capacity109 cabins, maximum of 17 adult passengers per cabin, 3500 passengers per hour either way
Trip duration25 min
Technical features
Line length5,700 m (18,700 ft)
Operating speed6 metres per second
Ngong Ping 360
Traditional Chinese昂坪360
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinÁngpíng Sānliùlíng
Yue: Cantonese
JyutpingNgong4 Ping4 Saam1 Luk6 Ling4
IPA[ŋɔ̏ːŋ pʰɪ̏ŋ sáːm lʊ̀k lɪ̏ŋ]

The Ngong Ping 360 is a gondola lift on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Intended to improve tourism to the area, the aerial lift was previously known as Tung Chung Cable Car Project before acquiring the Ngong Ping 360 brand in April 2005. It consists of the Ngong Ping Cable Car, formerly known as the Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail, and the Ngong Ping Village, a retail and entertainment centre adjacent to the cable car's upper station.[1] Ngong Ping 360 connects Tung Chung, on the north coast of Lantau and itself linked to central Hong Kong by the Tung Chung Line, with the Ngong Ping area in the hills above. This is home to the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha, both already significant tourist attractions in their own right. Before Ngong Ping 360's opening, the only access was via a mountain road and bus service.

Ngong Ping 360 is owned by the MTR Corporation, the operator of Hong Kong's rail system. It was built by Leitner Ropeways and was originally operated by Skyrail-ITM. Skyrail-ITM was removed from the project after an investigation following an incident in June 2007. It is now operated by a directly owned subsidiary of the MTR Corporation.

History

Map of the Ngong Ping 360 system. The terminals are shown with the green circles
Map of the Ngong Ping 360 system

Conception

Following a feasibility study, the Hong Kong government issued an invitation in 2000 for detailed proposals and tender for a 30-year franchise on a Build-Operate-Transfer basis for the global project of operation, management and maintenance of a cable car system linking Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. The Tourism Commission declared the objective of the project was to increase the range of attractions to visitors to enhance Hong Kong's position as a leading tourist destination in the region. Target timing was to identify a successful proponent by the end of 2001 and to commence operation of the cable car system before early 2006.[2]

Construction and opening

Construction of the cable car project started at the beginning of 2004. The system was originally scheduled to open on 23 January 2006, but on 17 June 2006, during the trial-run with the maximum of 109 gondola cabins on the cables, a cabin arriving at Ngong Ping station had a slight collision with a late departing cabin. The entire system was automatically halted by the safety system, leaving 500 volunteers trapped for two hours. As a result, Skyrail-ITM postponed the opening day to fix the technical problems, tests and emergency staff drills.[3]

After two months of improvement works and repair for the damages made by Typhoon Prapiroon in August 2006, Ngong Ping 360 resumed a trial-run of 7 days from 30 August 2006. The project director at MTR Corp and senior executives of Skyrail were at the soft opening of the facility on 18 September. In keeping with feng shui traditions, Skyrail-ITM sold just 1,688 tickets for the maiden day's run on 18 September at HK$88 each, the numbers being considered lucky. Henry Tang officiated at the grand opening of the attraction on 9 November 2006.[4][5][6][7]

Operation

Ngong Ping 360 cable car riding through the peak

After the commencement of service, system failures still occurred occasionally. Between its opening on 18 September and 27 October, eight service suspensions were recorded, prompting a legislative panel to challenge the operator's continued operation.[8]

A serious incident occurred on 11 June 2007, during a brake test which was part of the annual examination of the cable, when an empty cabin fell off the cable and crashed into a hilly area near Chek Lap Kok South Road. Despite the fact that there were no injuries caused, an investigation resulted in the operating company and its CEO[9] being charged with criminal negligence related to the incident, although the CEO's case was later delayed,[10] and the charges against him eventually dropped altogether.[11] Skyrail-ITM was removed as operator, fined HK$5,000,[12] and the MTR Corporation took over operational responsibility. The line remained out of service until 23 December when it underwent one week of trial run involving 40,000 visitors riding for free. It reopened officially on 31 December 2007.[13][14][15][16][17]

In April 2009, the company introduced its premium rate Crystal Cabin service, using glass-bottom cabins.[18]

On 25 January 2012, Ngong Ping 360 was hit by a technical fault which was caused by a pulley which wasn't running smoothly, causing the automated system to grind to a halt. It said all passengers who were stranded had been brought to safety.[19]

Ngong Ping Cable Car/ Stations

Tung Chung Terminal
Airport Island Angle Station
Nei Lak Shan Angle Station
Ngong Ping Terminal

Ngong Ping Cable Car is a 5.7-kilometre (3.5 mi) long bi-cable gondola lift system (referred to by its operators as a "cable car") linking between Tung Chung (where it connects the MTR Tung Chung station) and Ngong Ping (where the Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha are located).[20] Between the two terminals at Tung Chung (Tung Chung Terminal) and Ngong Ping, the lift system runs across the southern shore of the Hong Kong International Airport island and Nei Lak Shan, with eight towers including the stations. Five of the towers are located within the country park.

Stations

Livery and Name District Connections Date Opened
Ngong Ping 360
Tung Chung Islands Tung Chung Station for      Tung Chung line 18 September 2006
Ngong Ping

The cable car journey offers a 25-minute aerial alternative to the current one-hour journey by Tung Chung Road, allowing visitors to glide across Tung Chung Bay and up to Lantau Island towards Ngong Ping Plateau.

The cableway starts at the Tung Chung Terminal, runs across Tung Chung Bay to Airport Island Angle Station on Chek Lap Kok, where it turns through about 60 degrees before returning across Tung Chung Bay. It then runs up the Lantau North Country Park to another angle station near Nei Lak Shan (Nei Lak Shan Angle Station), before finally descending to the Ngong Ping Terminal.

During the 25 minute journey, travellers can see panoramic views over the North Lantau Country Park, the South China Sea, Hong Kong International Airport, the Tung Chung valley, Ngong Ping Plateau and surrounding terrain and waterways. As visitors approach Ngong Ping, they can see The Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery.[20]

Design

A Ngong Ping 360 "Crystal Cabin". The Crystal Cabin features a glass bottom floor.

Designed by Aedas, also the architect of the project,[21] the line uses a continuous circulating twin cable aerial ropeway system, technically described as a bi-cable gondola lift. The Leitner Group was the contractor for the cable car system. Between the Tung Chung and Ngong Ping Terminals, the 5.7 km cableway changes direction twice at the two angle stations, one on the south shore of Chek Lap Kok; the other west of Nei Lak Shan within the Lantau North Country Park. Whilst the gondola cabins are temporarily detached from the cables at each angle station, there are no passenger loading or unloading facilities at these points.[citation needed]

The cableway is supported by 8 towers. The cabin has a modern design with seating for 10 and standing room for another 7. It also incorporates features to meet the needs of disabled passengers, including elderly and wheelchair users. The system has a capacity of 3,500 people per hour in each direction.[citation needed]

The cableway and the cabins come from the Leitner Group. A continuous circulating bi-cable aerial ropeway system, where the track cable acts as a rail in the sky and the haul cable pulls the cabins, allows long spans between towers. It is the first of its type to be installed in Hong Kong. Martin Leitner, chief sales officer of Leitner, explained that the cable car system used in Hong Kong is much heavier and bigger than that used in Austria. He said the steel columns used to support the system have to be stronger, and thus more expensive.[citation needed]

The cable car line offers two levels of service based on different cabin designs, branded Standard Cabins and Crystal Cabins. The Crystal Cabins are distinguished by their glass bottoms, and are charged at a premium rate. Both sets of cabins circulate on the same cable, with passengers being segregated by queuing systems at both terminals.[18]

Ngong Ping Village

The Ngong Ping Village, built next to the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal, occupies a 15,000 square metre site and has been designed to mirror and uphold the cultural and spiritual veracity of the Ngong Ping area. Traditional Chinese architectural designs are a feature of the Ngong Ping Village, which contains an assortment of shopping and dining experiences, on top of a number of key attractions including Walking with Buddha, the Monkey's Tale Theatre and the Ngong Ping Tea House. Chinese New Year, Christmas and the three days of Buddha's birthday are among the most crowded days.[citation needed]

Ngong Ping Village's international cable car gallery has cable car replicas from various countries including China, Switzerland, Italy, Brazil, Austria, France, Italy, Germany etc.[22]

Awards

  • 2007 - Enterprise Environmental Protection Achievement Award – Outstanding Awards by Hong Kong Environmental Protection Association
  • 2007 - Gold Wastewi$e Logo by HKSAR Environmental Protection Department in 2007 [23]

References

  1. ^ DeWolf, Christopher "9 Hong Kong tourist traps -- for better or worse" CNN Go. 27 October 2010. Retrieved 2012-03-03
  2. ^ Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (24 April 2001). "Detailed Proposals for the Tung Chung Cable Car Project invited" (Press release).
  3. ^ Leung, Wendy; Wong, Albert (19 June 2006). "Fears rise at cable car for opening day". The Standard.
  4. ^ Leung, Wendy (14 September 2006). "Skyrail opening-day tickets sell briskly as safety fears evaporate". The Standard.
  5. ^ Leung, Wendy (29 August 2006). "Cable car operator back on line". The Standard.
  6. ^ Leung, Wendy (19 September 2006). "Ngong Ping 360 gets off the ground at last". The Standard.
  7. ^ "Speech by FS at opening ceremony for Ngong Ping 360". 9 November 2006.
  8. ^ Yung, Chester (28 October 2006). "Pressure builds on troubled Skyrail operator". The Standard.
  9. ^ "Ngong Ping 360 charged for negligence". Hong Kong Information Services Department. 12 December 2007. Archived from the original on 25 July 2007. Retrieved 29 August 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ "Skyrail's former Managing Director faces charges of negligence over 'cable car' incident". e-Travel Blackboard. 11 January 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
  11. ^ "Cable car plunge blamed on improper operation of brakes". Hong Kong Standard. 6 March 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
  12. ^ "Improper testing caused cable car plunge". RTHK English News. 6 March 2009. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
  13. ^ "Hong Kong cable car plunges to ground". Sydney Morning Herald. 12 June 2007. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
  14. ^ "News report on the incident". Ming Pao (in Chinese). Retrieved 28 November 2009.
  15. ^ Investigation into Ngong Ping Skyrail cabin dislodgement completed (with video), Press Release of Hong Kong SAR Government
  16. ^ News.com.au report on reopening Archived 1 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  17. ^ BBC Chinese report on reopening (in Chinese)
  18. ^ a b "The NP360 Experience Crystal Cabin". Ngong Ping 360. Retrieved 30 November 2009.
  19. ^ http://rthk.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20120125/news_20120125_56_814041.htm
  20. ^ a b "Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car"
  21. ^ "Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car". hkie.org.hk.
  22. ^ "Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car".
  23. ^ "Photo Gallery International Cable Car".
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