A century-old network of double-decker trams traversing the northern part of Hong Kong Island has cemented its reputation as one of the most vivid and distinctive ways to see the city.

Known affectionately as “ding dings” for the bell sound that signals their approach, these trams blend everyday functionality with rich cultural texture, offering riders unobstructed views of neon signs, colonial-era buildings and bustling street scenes that encapsulate the rhythm of everyday life in the metropolis.

Operating continuously since 1904, the tram network remains one of the world’s few surviving examples of large-scale double-deck tramways and carries more than two hundred thousand passengers daily.

It connects vibrant districts from Kennedy Town in the west to Shau Kei Wan in the east, winding through Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and other neighbourhoods where both historic charm and contemporary dynamism are on display.

Unlike faster modes of transport, the trams move at a leisurely pace that encourages passengers to take in the cityscape at eye level.

The absence of air conditioning in many carriages enhances the sensory connection to the surroundings, including the rhythmic “ding-ding” bell, street vendors, and the ebb and flow of commuters and tourists alike.

Riders can pay a flat fare regardless of their journey’s length and board at the rear before exiting at the front, a simple system that underscores the trams’ accessibility and utilitarian charm.

Portions of the tram experience are steeped in local lore and everyday practice, including preferred vantage points on the upper deck for panoramic views and the opportunity to glimpse both traditional markets and glimmering high-rises within a single ride.

For visitors seeking to immerse themselves in an authentic slice of Hong Kong life, the tram offers more than transport: it provides a moving tableau of the city’s architectural evolution and cultural intersections.