Hong Kong Tram Ding Ding is More Than Just a Public Transport
Hong Kong Tram, also known as Ding Ding (叮叮), is the oldest public transport in Hong Kong that still provides services to the community. Isn’t the name Ding Ding just cute? The name actually came from the sound of the tram bell. While horns have replaced some tram bells, this cute name remains. Ding Ding has been traversing Hong Kong Island since 1904, from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan and vice versa. Ding Ding is not only a means of public transport to many of us; it is a true Hong Kong icon and conjures many childhood memories and nostalgia in the locals.
In this blog post, we would like to share with you some interesting facts about Ding Ding, along with some artistic Ding Ding-inspired creative work by local artists and photographers. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts about Ding Ding
These double-decker trams have become one of Hong Kong's most famous icons, but did you know: when Ding Ding was first introduced to the market in the 1900s, it was actually a single-decker tram offering services on a single-track system? While we are all very comfortable with the idea of Ding Ding traversing the street, the idea was very new to many residents when it first launched. Ding Ding gradually became popular, and, with the increase in passenger demand, the double-decker Ding Ding was introduced to the market slightly over a decade after it was launched. The double-track system was introduced another decade later. Today, Ding Ding serves over 120 stations across Hong Kong Island, bringing about 200,000 people from place to place each day.
In 1970, Hong Kong Tramways started welcoming advertisements to be put on the outer surface of Ding Ding, turning the traditional red or green Ding Ding into the colourful Ding Ding we see today.
How to ride on a Ding Ding?
On top of being the oldest public transport in Hong Kong (116 years old!), Ding Ding is also the cheapest transportation in the city. It costs HKD 2.6 for each ride regardless of how many stations it would take to get to your destination and only HKD 1.3 for children and seniors. And remember, you pay the fees when you get off the Ding Ding, not when you get on.
The Hong Kong tramways map shows you all the stations across Hong Kong Island. When planning your ride, all you need to do is know which station to get on, which station to get off, and, most importantly, the direction. Ding Ding goes from east to west and vice versa on Hong Kong Island, and the final destination is shown at the front and back of the ding ding so all you need to decide is whether you would like the Ding Ding to take you to the east or to the west.
Lastly, unlike public buses in the city, where you get on via the front door, you actually get on Ding Ding via the back door and get off via the front door. x
Ding Ding Party? That sounds fun!
In the 1980s, an antique tram was built to offer rental services for parties and private events. The party Ding Ding was uniquely designed with an open balcony to offer a better city view. Sofas were used instead of plastic chairs, and the outer area of the Ding Ding is decorated with light bulbs, just like shining stars moving on Hong Kong Island at night.
If you are looking for a unique Ding Ding experience but want to save the hassle of throwing a party (Bravo to all the party organizers), then the Ding Ding TramOramic Tour organized by the Hong Kong Tram would be ideal. Not only would you see some of the busy streets and a combination of historic and modern buildings in the city, but you would also be able to understand the history of Hong Kong better.
Thank you for being an appreciative reader, as always. A little tip here, the Hong Kong Tram is not the same as the Peak Tram. Hong Kong Tram brings you to places on Hong Kong Island, whereas the Peak Tram only takes you to the Peak! Both trams offer unique Hong Kong experiences. If you enjoyed reading this blog post, please share it with your family and friends. Thank you, and we will share stories of craftsmanship and culture again soon. Until then, take care.
Source: Hong Kong Tramways
October 2020 | 3 Mins Read
Updated on July 2023
About the Author
The Qraftie blog aims to provide you stories related to craftsmanship, culture and lifestyle around Hong Kong.
