Skyrail will operate the attraction on behalf of MTR Corporation, which was awarded a 30-year build-operate-transfer contract in 2002.

The basic HK$145 adult ticket includes entry to the 1.5 hectare mountain-top theme park and return travel on Skyrail between Ngong Ping and Tung Chung via Hong Kong International Airport.

Concessionary tickets will be HK$75 for children and HK$108 for seniors and students. Prices and hours will vary on certain holidays and Sundays during Lunar New Year and Easter. Visitors will also be able to buy separate tickets for either attraction.

The 5.7-kilometer Skyrail is due to open early next year, and the operator expects 1.5 million visitors in its first year.

"There is no doubt [Ngong Ping] is going to become Hong Kong's must-see tourist attraction,'' said Skyrail managing director Ken Chapman.

He said the prices were designed specifically for Hong Kong locals, who will make up half of the park's visitors. The remainder will comprise an equal number of overseas and mainland tourists.

Skyrail's Tung Chung terminus is a short walk from the MTR station. Cable cars will pass through the airport station on the southeast corner of Chek Lap Kok island before ascending the mountain range to Ngong Ping.

Weather permitting, passengers will enjoy views of the airport, the North Lantau Country Park and the Big Buddha.

Skyrail will be Asia's biggest cableway, capable of carrying 1,904 passengers at any time. The 112 cabins will be able to transport 3,500 passengers an hour in each direction.

Other than the cable car, Ngong Ping 360's main attractions will be Walking with Buddha, Monkey's Tale Theater and the Ngong Ping Tea House.

Skyrail-ITM built and operates the Rainforest Cableway in Cairns, Australia, and the Taronga Zoo Sky Safari in Sydney.

staff.reporter@singtaonewscorp.com