Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding)

The Basics

Also known as the Ding Ding, nicknamed for the warning dinging sound it makes, Hong Kong Tramways has been running in Hong Kong since 1904. Today, the fleet consists of 164 trams, traveling over six routes and 120 stops along the north of Hong Kong Island. Sitting on the top deck of a double-decker tram gives you a great vantage point over the city without having to worry about the crowds. The tramways cover popular districts such as Happy Valley, Shau Kei Wan, and Causeway Bay and aren’t subject to traffic jams like buses and cars, making them an efficient way to see the city sights.

Although it’s easy to take a ride on the Ding Ding on your own, a number of guided tours also include a journey on the tram, including foodie tours and tours focused on hidden gems in the city or different ways to get around Hong Kong.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Taking the Ding Ding is a quintessential Hong Kong experience.

• Sit at the front of the upper deck for the best views.

• Don’t forget your camera; there are plenty of photo-worthy shots on the ride.

• Enter the tram at the back, then pay (with exact change or the Octopus Card) when you exit at the front; the price is the same regardless of how far you travel.

• The tram is not wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

All of the trams run through central Hong Kong Island, with stops scattered throughout Admiralty, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, and Central. If you’re staying over on the Kowloon side of the city but still want to take the tram, take the MTR to one of the stations in those neighborhoods and hop on from there.

When to Get There

The time of first and last trams depends on the route, but Hong Kong Tramways generally run from 5am to 12:30am. Check the tramways website for the most up-to-date schedules. Try to avoid taking the trams during weekday rush hours, between 7am and 9am and between 5pm and 7pm, when they can become crowded with commuters.

Top Attractions on the Hong Kong Tramways

The trams provide easy access to a wealth of Hong Kong attractions suitable for every type of traveler. Hop off at Victoria Park if you want to escape the bustle of the city; disembark in Wan Chai to follow a heritage trail that leads past historical buildings such as Blue House and Wan Chai Market; or immerse yourself in the bustle of Causeway Bay for high-end shops and modern Chinese restaurants, including the Michelin-star dim sum restaurant Lei Garden.