Joanna James
Hong Kong is a city that offers many captivating attractions for visitors. An iconic experience that you could enjoy during your stay here is taking a ride on a tram, a distinctive mode of transportation that is both useful and enjoyable. Such a tram ride would provide you with the perfect opportunity to gain an insight into the city’s highlights, way of life and culture. Provided below is useful information about this tram, affectionately referred to as the ‘Ding Ding’, in Hong Kong!
During your visit to Hong Kong, you are sure to notice the often colourfully decorated double-decker trams which run on tracks within the city. These trams happen to be the city’s oldest form of public transportation, as well as the cheapest form of transport available here today. Further, Hong Kong’s fleet of trams may be regarded as the sole tram system on the globe to feature only double-decker vehicles. As the trams operate on electrical power, they may be considered to be a sustainable form of transportation providing an eco-friendly way to explore the various local areas and attractions.
The trams of Hong Kong inherit a rich history having carried innumerable passengers over more than a century. Whilst trams have operated since 1904, the tramcars that resemble those used today were introduced in 1925. The affectionate moniker ‘Ding Ding’ is believed to have originated from the sound of the tram bells, or the sound made when ticket clerks punched tickets. Interestingly, the majority of Hong Kong trams today are still naturally ventilated, without air conditioning. They also travel at a leisurely speed, allowing passengers to relax and admire the surroundings during their ride.
You will find that it is actually quite simple to use the city’s tram system to get about. Firstly, you must make your way to a tram station on the route that you desire to follow. You will find that the trams would arrive regularly and fairly frequently from the early morning hours to midnight. When boarding a tram, you must use the rear door; for the best views, you should select a seat on the upper deck if you have the opportunity. When exiting, you must use the front door and either deposit the exact fare in the coin collector or present an Octopus Card.
The city trams run along six different routes that extend alongside the northern coastline of Hong Kong Island. These tram routes link Shau Kei Wan with Kennedy Town, running through well-known districts like Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Admiralty and Causeway Bay. An accommodation choice to consider which is near a tram stop is Dorsett Wanchai; such properties are ideal for those looking to use local transport for sightseeing as well as visiting some of the well-known Hong Kong shopping areas. You could also take the tram to explore the cultural and artistic sites of the Eastern District, in addition to the captivating attractions of Kennedy Town and other destinations in the West.
An interesting experience that would appeal to foreign visitors to Hong Kong is taking the absorbing TramOramic Tour which may be described as an hour-long sightseeing excursion. This captivating journey on board a 1920s-style tram will transport you to Causeway Bay from Sheung Wan. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to listen to multi-language audio guides that will provide you with detailed knowledge of the history and development of the city. Additionally, following your tour, you will be provided with a tram pass with which you can explore the city free of charge for two days!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
