Hong Kong Trams
See the city from the top deck of a rattling, clanking old 'ding-ding' (as Hongkongers call them). The ride is an unequalled bargain at just $2. Trams run frequently, so if the first one is too crowded, just wait for the next to ensure you get that all-important front seat upstairs.
The operator Hong Kong Tramways is one of the three tramways in the world that have regular operation of double-decker trams (the others being Blackpool, England and Alexandria, Egypt), and is the only system that runs exclusively on double-deckers.
Operated by The Wharf, the Hong Kong trams run on Hong Kong Island between Shau Kei Wan and Kennedy Town, with a branch circulating Happy Valley. 240,000 residents commute by tram every day. Serving from 1904, it is one of the earliest forms of public transport in Hong Kong. Trams in Hong Kong have not only been a form of transport for over 100 years, but also a major tourist attraction.
Hong Kong's geography was radically different when the British arrived. Happy Valley was a malarial swamp until it was drained in the mid-1800s. Modern Wan Chai and Causeway Bay are built almost entirely on reclaimed land - the tram line traces the original shoreline to some extent.
The northern shore of Hong Kong Island is one solid conurbation from one end to the other. Eastern District refers to all areas east of Causeway Bay: from Tin Hau through North Point and Quarry Bay to Chai Wan. It's all accessible by MTR and tram.
Much of the district was originally shipyards. Now it's primarily residential and working-class although one developer is trying to rebrand the district 'Island East' to promote the high-tech office zone at Quarry Bay.
The best way to see this district is by tram. Take a seat on the top deck and watch as crowded neighbourhoods pass leisurely by. The line ends at Shau Kei Wan, a firmly working-class district which used to be fishing port and still has a typhoon shelter full of boats.
You can follow Shau Kei Wan Main Street East to reach the Tam Kung Temple on the waterfront. This was built in 1905 and is the largest in Hong Kong dedicated to this god. The Museum Coast Defence is just a little further along on your right.
Victoria Park
A large green between the typhoon shelter and the tram line, Victoria Park was laid out in 1957 and is the biggest park of Hong Kong Island. Facilities include tennis courts, lawns swimming pools roller skating rink and pool for model boats. Its open 24 hours. The park is the venue of Hong Kong's biggest Chinese New Year fairs when thousands of people come to buy flowers.
Top of Hong Kong Trams
Hong Kong Travel
While this Hong Kong website have made extensive effort to be accurate, we make no warranty or guarantee as to the correctness of the above and all information listed here. Certainly schedules, prices and policies will and do change. Sometimes contact info is provided so one way to be sure is to call or book ahead. Similarly, we do not guarantee the claims made by our sponsors and advertisers. Caveat emptor!
