The Hong Kong tram, affectionately known by locals as the ‘Ding Ding’, is a unique form of transportation found on the bustling streets of Hong Kong Island. A ride on the beloved tram ― also an iconic symbol of Hong Kong ― is a journey through the city’s rich history, culture and everyday life. In this guide, find everything you need to know about the tram, including fun facts and three popular tram routes for the ultimate local adventure. Hong Kong Tramways operates a total of six routes that run along Hong Kong Island’s northern coastline, spanning from Shau Kei Wan to Kennedy Town, with numerous tram stops in between. If you want to visit popular districts such as Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, the tram is an ideal mode of transportation.

The TramOramic Tour is a one-hour sightseeing journey aboard a 1920s-style open-top tram takes you from Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay. Accompanied by comprehensive audio guides with multiple languages, you will gain in-depth insights into the city’s story and history. That’s not all; you will receive a two-day tram pass after the tour ― perfect for exploring Hong Kong at your own pace.

You can feel the excitement even before you reach the track. As the sun plunges below the horizon on Wednesday evening, betting parlours around the city begin to fill up in anticipation of the night’s races. Trams round the bend into Happy Valley Racecourse, flocking to the bright lights like moths to a flame.

And the lights are certainly dazzling. Dozens of high-powered lamps cast an electric glow over Hong Kong’s oldest racetrack. At ground level the hubbub of the crowd is deafened by the sound of pounding of hooves and excitable loud-speaker commentary. Happy Valley is a piece of living history that has been around for nearly as long as the city itself, and during the racing season, from September to July, its lively Wednesday night races have made it a mid-week destination, even for those who don’t have a clue how to fill out a betting slip.

The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is the oldest park in the territory. Built in 1860 and partially opened in 1864, they were completed in 1871. The gardens, with an area of 5.6 hectares, are divided into eastern and western parts by Albany Road. These are connected by a pedestrian subway. The eastern part, known as the Old Garden, comprises the children’s playground, aviaries, a greenhouse and the fountain terrace garden. It is also home to birds such as the American flamingo, Bali mynah, Hawaiian goose and red-crowned crane. The western part, or the New Garden, is mainly home to mammals, including the Bornean orangutan, buff-cheeked gibbon, emperor tamarin and raccoon, as well as reptiles like the elongated tortoise and spurred tortoise.

Start your Lantau adventure on a 25-minute crystal cabin cable car ride. The glass bottom will bring you a novel, unobstructed angle to appreciate the stunning views of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Big Buddha. Step off at Ngong Ping Village, full of Chinese character, to sample local snacks, shop for special gifts and indulge in multimedia and interactive attractions. The Big Buddha, the world’s second largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue, is only minutes away from the Village. Climb 268 steps to the base for a closer look at the 34-metre-tall statue and its surrounding verdant, mountain terrain. Conclude your Lantau cultural trip by visiting the century-old Po Lin Monastery, situated right next to Big Buddha.

Lai Chi Wo Rural Cultural Landscape was awarded UNESCO's Special Recognition for Sustainable Development for its pioneering approach to rural sustainability, upholding economic, social and environmental dimensions in the holistic rejuvenation of the historic Hakka agricultural settlement using nature-based solutions.

This ancient Hakka village in the New Territories is now praised for its revived feng shui woodlands, restored God of War temple, and lush mangrove habitat. About 60,000 square metres of abandoned farmland was transformed, making Lai Chi Wo a model for eco-agriculture and community revitalisation. Visitors can now explore the village's thriving agricultural practices, with residents growing a variety of organic produce such as winter melons, turmeric, ginger, herbs and even coffee beans.

The second-largest area in Hong Kong in terms of landmass, Sai Kung is dubbed the ‘back garden of Hong Kong’, known for its fishing villages, beautiful scenery, hiking trails, beaches and islands, geological formations and low-key lifestyle. In summer, expect to see groups gathered at the pier waiting to board boats for a quintessential Hong Kong experience — a junk trip.

To truly know Sai Kung, however, you need to get out of its urban zone and hit its nature trails. Most of the area is covered in country parks, from the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark to Sai Kung Country Park East and West. These verdant green spaces are a major reason why Sai Kung has remained unspoiled by urbanisation — the parks are reserved for nature conservation. There’s also Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, which is protected by law, and the start of the renowned 100-kilometre MacLehose Trail is found in Sai Kung too.

Just as its seafood restaurants serve up a variety of dishes that’ll satisfy all seafood lovers, the hiking in the area is accessible to beginners and experts alike: stroll along the High Island Reservoir, or attempt the towering Sharp Peak. And at only 30 to 60 minutes away from the city centre via bus or taxi, spending a day or two discovering one of the region’s most striking green areas is much easier than you think.

Deemed one of the best hikes in Hong Kong by Lonely Planet, Dragon’s Back got its name from its undulating ridge that resembles a dragon’s backbone. The ridge slopes steeply down to sea level, revealing stunning views of the ocean and nearby isles. The trail ends at Big Wave Bay Beach, which makes a great spot for sunbathing and taking a dip in the cooling sea in the summer.

Standing at an altitude of 957 metres above sea level, Tai Mo Shan is the perfect place to watch the sunset and, if conditions allow, a sea of clouds. The mountain takes on different colours through the four seasons: cherry blossoms and wild lilies bloom in spring and summer, whereas golden miscanthus thrive in autumn and winter. Although Tai Mo Shan’s summit is currently closed to the public, there are still a lot of places to camp and watch the sunset.

Apart from traveling and exploring around the city, you may also sit down, take a rest and grab some food. Hong Kong is home to a wide range of famous and delicious delicacies that are unique in Asia and the world. These include dai pai dongs and cha chang tengs, where you can find along the streets. Also, don’t forget to try yum cha at a Chinese restaurant in the morning!

A true one-stop location, the HKTDC Design Gallery prides itself on creating a retail platform for Hong Kong designers and manufacturers, so you’ll find a wide selection of locally designed products by homegrown businesses. Alongside consumer electronics and home appliances, there are also plenty of easy-to-carry and unique items (like houseware, watches, fine jewellery and accessories) that make perfect Hong Kong souvenirs. Highlights include Hong Kong-style milk tea sachets, calligraphy keychains, SEON Hong Kong’s ceramic-looking thermal bottles and umbrellas, and foil postcards and washi tape from ditto ditto, a local letterpress and stationery brand. Shop online or visit a physical store.