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The Beauty of Hong Kong's Ding Ding

The Beauty of Hong Kong Trams

Your Hong Kong visits will never complete if you haven’t tried one of the oldest means of transportation – the Hong Kong tram, or locally known as Ding Ding (because of its foot-operated warning sounds!).

This transportation system, which celebrates its 113th year, it is the cheapest way to get around the north of Hong Kong Island. Although there are other means of modern transportation like getting an UBER, taxis, and the MTRs, still the Hong Kong tram gives every much-loved source of nostalgia for locals and tourists. With their antiquated appearance, the trams’ slow trundle along the northern fringe of Hong Kong Island is a link to a bygone area, at odds with the frenetic pace of the city today.
Although this is not the fastest means of Hong Kong transportation, these trams are ideal if you want to explore the city and not rushing your time.

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

The electric trams are limited to a maximum speed of 42km/h versus 70km/h for buses and 80km/h for minibusses – but travel at an average speed of just 7.9km/h

And the most interesting part of Hong Kong trams is their colorful appearance.

Yes, in Hong Kong these trams are also being used as moving billboards by various brands, and it seems effective. Not only that, it also adds appeal to the whole city. From fashion brands, real estate, insurance, banks, etc. – Hong Kong’s ding dings give us an amusement feeling, which I’m sure you will hop in when you saw this in the city.

Below are some of the Hong Kong trams photographs by Luigi Massanova.

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

This tramway system which also describes as “a part of Hong Kong’s heart”, is more than just a means of public transport. Most Hongkongers undoubtedly have an emotional attachment to the “ding dings” – some even proposed their love here.

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

Trams are the cheapest and most convenient transport in Hong Kong. They have one tram stop every 250metres, which means every short ride if it is less than 4km, the team will be competing with the bus and the MTR in terms of travel time.

Trams are also zero emissions.

If the government will eliminate these trams, it is like removing a part of Hong Kong's heart and culture.

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

Carrie Bradshaw will be shame seeing these gorgeous ding dings!

colorful Hong Kong trams

colorful Hong Kong trams

Have you tried the Hong Kong tramways?

What is your memorable story with ding dings?





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84 comments :

  1. Colorful trams! I didn't take the tram in HK though. Mostly train and by foot

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    Replies
    1. Oh geez then you missed this iconic transportation! The experience complete the Hong Kong experience.

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  2. The buses do look attractive. Very colorful and beautiful.

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    1. I know right! They make it as means to show their ads!
      And the ads are high profiles.

      Delete
  3. bestnyeee.. i selalu berangan dulu,masa kecik2.. kalo tgk drama tvc msti rasa nak sangat2 kesana. Pengaruh kuat betul drama

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  4. Ding ding tram...i love the advertisement on the ding ding..looks like an art

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  5. OMG! These Trams are so cute and cool.I would love to ride on these colorful Trams when I visit Hong Kong.

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    1. The awesome part of riding these trams is that it can tour you to the deep localities of Hong Kong, that are quite different to those touristic spots.

      If you want to experience genuine Hong Kong, use these ding dings!

      Delete
  6. Haha... when I first read the title, I was wondering what is a Dingding.... Now I know it's the tram.

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha yeah, its commonly know as Ding Ding especially with elders, because of its sound!

      Delete
  7. I've seen a lot of these in HK and they are very colorful. But were not really interested to try it since it was easier for us to take the MTR. But it's worth for the photo album. :-)

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  8. I've never tried the tramways, but now I regret it! I did take the metro and buses when I was in Hong Kong though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Before MTR and cabs, there is already Hong Kong trams. You can truly experience the Hong Kong life when you tried this. It passes to many non-touristic awesome places of Hong Kong.

      Plus its cheap!

      Delete
  9. Wow! Hong Kong tram is definitely fascinating! 113 years of existence! Whoa! I'd keep photographing them & posing in front of them!

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    1. Isn't it awesome!

      They managed to make these trams a moving advertising means, which makes it colorful and interesting. And as you can see, these ads are high profile :D

      Delete
  10. What an interesting array of colorful trams! Or are they electric buses? Maybe we'll find street art (bus/tram art) on these one day too :)

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  11. I've ridden them when we visited about two years ago. I didn't know they were called Ding Ding. They sure are efficient, fast, and handsome, too!

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    1. I agree. I heard that the HK government tried to get rid of these Ding Ding, but many Hongkongers fight back. With over 113years, they are still the affordable means of transport around HK. Without it, HK will never be complete.

      Delete
  12. o my god! These are the cutest trams I have ever seen. I luv rail transport and always try to see more of it when I travel.

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  13. I've not visited Hong Kong yet but will make sure to take the tram when I do visit. I did not know of its long history but now that I do, it surely adds more depth to the tram experience in Hong Kong.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a good idea. If you want to learn the life of true Hong Kong then try riding with trams. Many interesting people uses this means of transportation, especially the elders. I like it!

      Delete
  14. These ding dings are amazing! It's like moving artwork.

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  15. I love that they're known by the locals as "Ding Dings" - that's so cute aha. They're so bright and colourful and cheery! What a great way to travel!

    Christie's Take on Life. xx

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    Replies
    1. I agree! Everyone knows that it is arriving because of its cute sound. It is very Hong Kong!

      Delete
  16. I haven't tried Hong Kong tramways. It looks like a wonderful experience though. I wish this was offered in my state.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When you visit Hong Kong, never miss the Ding Ding experience :D

      Delete
  17. what a brilliant way to travel around the city! They look so compact like toys! Adorable! I really want to travel to hong kong and when I do I'll make sure to take the ding ding and send you a pic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That will be great! You will experience the true Hong Kong life with these Ding Dings.

      Delete
  18. I never knew that there were so many different ones! I love how colorful they are.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hahaha they are colorful because these trams becomes a moving advertising billboards. And it works!

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  19. Omg how neat!!!! I think it would be fun to ride one of these!!! First time I have ever seen anything like it!

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  20. The Ding Ding in Hong Kong is so colorful and cute! I don't mind getting on it and visit around the city though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That will be fantastic, and its much cheaper, lah :D

      Delete
  21. I love HK, such a cool, random city! The designs on the Ding Ding are fantastic, another thing that makes HK so cool!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Nikki! And it is one of the cheapest transportation in Hong Kong!

      Delete
  22. Im not surprised that most hongkongers have an emotional attatchment to the ding dongs. They are amazingly colourful and look really cool.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hong Kong people ate becoming so creative to maximize the reach of these ding dings. That's why it become a moving billboards :D

      Delete
  23. I need to get back to Hong Kong. You have some great photos, it really makes me miss traveling around Asia

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    1. Oh you must Michael! You might also like witness the HK Sevens this summer :D

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  24. The trams in that sense are similar to the buses and some taxis we have in the UK which uses branding to advertise brands. However if they did this with trams I think that would be an excellent marketing strategy in the areas that we have trams in.

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  25. These are so pretty and colourful! I wish London buses looked this good

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  26. How cool are the trams?! Little bright spots of color and sunshine in the days of people who live in Hong Kong. Some of them are moving works of art? Do you happen to know who decides how one is decorated? x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh those decorations are from advertisers, usually from telecom brands, and luxury brands. Recently, I've seen ads from banking and insurance.

      Delete
  27. This look so amazing, let's me pack for my next travel and my destination will be Hong Kong.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's YEY for that idea! Hong Kong is waiting for you.

      Delete
  28. How cool! The buses have such a neat look to them and look like a very fun form of transportation!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah it is! It is very fun and the fare is only $2.00 !

      Delete
  29. Hong Kong looks so interesting! I would love to visit someday. I'll have to try riding a ding ding when I go someday!

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    Replies
    1. You will enjoy it Esperanza. It is a good and cheapest way to roam around Hong Kong.

      Delete
  30. I have not been to Hong Kong yet but if I do, I'd love to take a 'ding-ding' ride. The trams look very cute and colourful and they do have an old world charm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most they don't realized, these trams are perfect instagrammable ride!

      Delete
  31. I’ve never been to Hong Kong before but def would love to cross it off my bucket list. I love how colorful the ding ding trams. Someday I’d like to get on one and explore the city.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That will be great! And it wont hurt your budget because its cheaper than taking cabs and MTR.

      Delete
  32. I’ve never been to Hong Kong so I’ve never seen anything like this! I love how colorful the teams are. I hope to visit here in 2018!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay that will be exciting for you! Visit Hong Kong during summer for more entertainments.

      Delete
  33. I have decided to travel some country this year and this Hongkong is one of my top list!

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  34. I absolutely love this post. London's double-deckers get all the love, but these guys are no less special. A niche article well worth making, cheers!

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  35. I love these Ding Dongs, how cute and stylish are they. They are super slim too which is a delight to see.

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    1. And also the cheapest means to roam around Hong Kong :D

      Delete
  36. Haven't been to Hong Kong yet so haven't tried these. They seem pretty slow running at 7.9kmph but i would still love to travel in these colorful ding dings and a experience the history and legend of Hong Kong's transportation system.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yeah it moves slow and not intended to people who are in a rush. It is recommended for visitors and for those who wants to enjoy the city and saving dollars.

      Delete
  37. Oh my goodness I love the ding dings! I think they're so colorful and nostalgic! They remind of the Cable Cars in San Francisco. You don't really ride them to make good time or because they're practical. You ride them because they're a part of the city's history and they create memories. I've never been to HK, but when I do, I'll be sure to ride the ding dings!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I agree. And if you are a traveler who wants to truly explore Hong Kong, then you should take this ride :)

      Delete
  38. I would love to explore Hong Kong on a ding ding! I never even heard of these but am fascinated. I love the way they look and I love their name!

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  39. I haven't been to Hong Kong yet but I am sure I will love to ride these trams, they look so colourful and vibrant. Amazing captures your post has.

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  40. Oh wow! This looks soo lovely! I would absolutely prefer to ride around Hong Kong with this kind of tram, instead of other means. Indeed, it makes it very "vintage". And it's really cool that the municipality made them so colorful :) :)
    PS: they look like the bus from Harry Potter, when it needed to shrink to cross between two cars :P :P

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hahaha yeah! These trams are designed back during British invasion period, and they keep the old design, and wrapped with these colorful ads. Advertising here though is quite expensive!

      Delete
  41. Whoa! These trams are so cool. I tried something like this in Melbourne. I had no idea Hong Kong has trams too. It is but natural that brands use it for advertising. You shared some amazing pictures of the trams. They are so colorful and vibrant. I hope to sit on these some day!

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    1. I was to happy just spending time watching them moving!

      Delete
  42. Hongkong looks so colorful with those "ding ding". I've never known about these cute trams before, but they look so great. I'd love to visit Hongkong and ride these ding ding and have a good memory.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah you should try it! If you are not in a hurry, then this tram is for you :D

      Delete

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