Opinion | Hong Kong is sleeping on a cultural and tourism resource: trams

Instead of prioritising one-off events, tourism planners should add value to its cultural treasures by embracing new technology and new ideas

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The body frame of a tram is seen at the Witty Street tram depot in Hong Kong’s Sai Wan district on August 15. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 9:30am, 8 Jan 2025Updated: 9:35am, 8 Jan 2025

The Hong Kong tram is woven into the fabric of citizens’ everyday life and represents one of the city’s most distinctive assets. The city must consolidate its existing tourism and ecological and cultural resources to give them a significant boost.

Trams serve as more than just a mode of transport. They are a vehicle that carries Hong Kong’s history, embodying a cherished part of the city’s identity as they traverse Hong Kong Island for the past 120 years. We must recognise and harness the untapped potential of a system that has operated since 1904, integrating new technologies and thoughtful planning to transform the tram into the epitome of the city’s culture, appealing to locals and tourists alike.

The tram, endearingly known as “ding ding” by locals, is woven into the collective memory of Hongkongers who have ridden them since childhood. As trams shuttle to and fro, their distinctive bell chimes, in contrast with honking cars, serve as a familiar signal to pedestrians and drivers alike. The unique “ding ding” sound has become a quintessential sound mark of Hong Kong streets.

Offering affordable fares and a leisurely pace, trams cater perfectly to those seeking a more contemplative experience.

Beyond their role as a means of transport, trams stand out as a pivotal tourism asset, reminiscent of San Francisco’s iconic cable car system. The Hong Kong tram service extends to tram charters, enabling passengers to host private parties and festivities on board.

A Halloween party tram en route from Shek Tong Tsui to Causeway Bay. Photo: Dickson Lee

Riding the 1920s-style open-top trams, travellers can relish panoramic views of the vibrant streets and the Hong Kong skyline. On the TramOramic Tour, a guided one-hour excursion, passengers are welcomed with local anecdotes and tram history as the carriage glides along the waterfront.