A ride on the trams of Hong Kong

More than 100 years old and known locally as 'Ding Dings', Hong Kong’s trams offer an unforgettable insight into the history and continuing evolution of this favourite holiday destination.

In celebration of the cultural role played by the trams in the development of the city, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched an online guide to exploring Hong Kong Island by tram, detailing more than 150 restaurants, shopping opportunities and cultural attractions easily accessed along the six main tram routes.

The guide also showcases the story of Hong Kong’s trams.

Introduced in 1904, the system is one of only three in the world still operating double-decker trams (along with Blackpool and Alexandria in Egypt), and is in fact the only system operated exclusively using double-deckers.

Today, Hong Kong Tramways operates a fleet of 163 tramcars, including two antique-style trams. On average, 230,000 passengers use the trams each day.

The fare is a remarkable affordable HK$2 (£0.16) for adults and HK$1 (£0.08) concessionary for senior citizens and children.

Where does the tram go?

The tram’s six routes stretch between Kennedy Town in the west of Hong Kong Island and Shau Kei Wan in the east, with all the key districts waiting to be explored along the route.

In the east Sheung Wan is densely packed and filled with narrow side streets. It is a world inhabited by Chinese merchants selling traditional herbs from their antique medicine shops – a great way to bring the sights, sounds and smells of old Hong Kong to life.

Next along the line is Central where the rich denizens of Hong Kong go to shop in marble malls, and skyscrapers sit side-by-side with old colonial architecture, antique streets, temples and churches.

The watering holes of Lan Kati Fong are also popular with visitors and locals alike, in this classic 'East meets West' part of Hong Kong.

Further west is Wan Chai. Over 100 years ago Wan Chai was just a fishing village; today it’s the most famous (some would say 'infamous') nightlife district in Hong Kong.

But it’s also a modern hub for art, culture and business, with the bustle of open-air markets and historic architecture like the Blue House and Hung Shing Temple.

Then, when night falls, enter the world of Suzie Wong!

One more stop brings guests to Happy Valley where they can capture the essence and vitality of Hong Kong’s Chinese culture under the dazzling lights of one of the world’s few in-city race tracks.

Happy Valley has been the home of racing in Hong Kong since the first meeting on a strip of reclaimed marshland in 1846.

A Mecca for the style-conscious in search of the latest clothes, accessories and gadgets, the trams also trundle through Causeway Bay - home to some of Hong Kong’s trendiest flagship stores and boutiques. The region is also a great place to eat, with Causeway Bay’s alleys home to an array of eateries offering cuisine from all corners of the world.

Tin Hau, Fortress Hill & North Point are predominantly residential areas where old traditions live side-by-side with the bustle of modern-day Hong Kong.

Tin Hau takes its name from a Qing dynasty temple featuring well-preserved stone lions, sculptures and wall paintings; while North Point is the place to go for great local snack stalls.

Finally, in the west are Tai Koo Sing, Sai Wan Ho & Shau Kei Wan which afford guests an opportunity to contrast the shopping, dining and entertainment experiences of Tai Koo Shing with Sai Wan Ho’s al fresco harbour front dining options, and take a tour through the history of kung fu movies at the Hong Kong Film Archive.

In Shau Kei Wan, visits are welcome to enjoy traditional temples where fishermen worshipped their gods and stroll around shipyards and wholesale fish markets - a vivid reminder of Hong Kong’s past as a fishing village!

More Information

To learn more about the roll of the tram network of Hong Kong, take a look at the official Hong Kong Tram Guide.

The guide is set to be continuously expanded, with the addition of information on even more attractions and landmarks, including Hong Kong Island’s unique architecture.

Chris O'Toole