Why Hong Kong’s slowest transit is also its best

Subscribe to our KZbin channel for free here:
sc.mp/subscribe-youtube
Hong Kong’s trams have been rolling through the streets for nearly 120 years and through historic events including the Japanese occupation during World War Two and riots coinciding with China’s Cultural Revolution. Although faster forms of transport such as buses and the MTR underground railway are now in place, the trams have continuously served passengers moving across Hong Kong Island and evolved into a cultural symbol of the city. In bustling Hong Kong, the slow-paced trams are also a prized and practical way for tourists and locals alike to get around.
Support us:
subscribe.scmp.com
Follow us on:
Website: www.scmp.com
Facebook: / scmp
Twitter: / scmpnews
Instagram: / scmpnews
Linkedin: / south-china-morning-post
#scmp #HongKongAuthentic #HongKongtransport

[@ctrl-del630]

How wonderful to see that old traditions are kept alive by the citizens who (in this case) ride the trams on a daily bases. It some point it said that in the beginning there were many accidents with pedestrians. Here in the Netherlands we had the same issue. People were not used to how silent these trams were and would cross the street without looking. There is even a nickname for the trams, "the killer". There is even a song written about it. It is a beautiful song. I don't come to the city very often anymore but I do love to see those trams ride. The belong in the infrastructure.

[@jaihindersingh]

Becas dhey ar maed by britiss. Britiss haigh teknologhee is wurshiipd wurldwaid

[@roboko6618]

@@jaihindersingh why are you typing your accent lol

[@TrimeshSZ]

I always considered the slower speed of the trams to be a feature, not a bug. Sure, if you are in a hurry to get somewhere you are going to be better off taking the MTR, but if you have spare time, the trams are a nice change of pace. It's a bit like the Star Ferry in that respect - not the most practical, but still fun.

[@randomcow505]

not to mention so so so cheep when I was there last I was low on money so I was walking everywhere in the middle of the typhoon season realised I could just get the tram for almost nothing

[@44jackbw]

I agree. The ferry and trams are a welcome change of pace from the everyday rush of Hong Kong.

[@azuma892]

While other cities have closed most of their tram/interurban lines or replaced most of their fleets with soulless low floor articulated units, Hong Kong's double decker trams continue to trundle the busy streets. Just shows we don't always need the most modern things to get the job done.

[@Den-rw7oq]

As an EX Islander; I have many fond memories riding the trams in Hong Kong and the last was in 2017 with two old school friends as a reminisce, we met and chatted with an elderly gentleman who still used it daily. It may be slow but it doesn't pollute and it gives you the opportunity to view the growing metropolis that it has become. A real jewel of the far east as is the star ferry, long may it continue.

[@tong.clement]

Within 2-3 stops of the MTR the tram makes the most sense.

[@BreakawayBites]

I was in Hong Kong in 2017 ..... The trams, The ferry ride , the neon lights, ....All part of Kong Kong unique identity.... if i would to re-visit HK again, i will do it all again...

[@roberthewko6715]

The trams and the Star Ferry are some of the best ways to see Hong Kong, and the cheapest. I lived there for a few years and this video made me feel nostalgic. I'm craving shrimp won ton soup now.

[@benjaminmtang]

it's one of the most economical and scenic ways of travelling on the island side. Especially when the crisp autumnal air descends around october through winter, it's one of the best ways of finding an oasis in the manic energy of HK. pair this with the star ferry and you have an instant time machine. i used to get out of bed 20 minutes early just to use the tram instead of the bus, great way to start the day

[@c_cma1971]

I also love the trams in BUCHAREST, Romania. They are cozy and nice and have something special. I will try HK trams next year for sure! Greetings from Romania!

[@ivywl1205]

Welcome to HK

[@williamchan8866]

Great vid, yes the trams are wonderful way to get around. They free your mind and just let your eyes wonder …..certainly nostalgic and romantic way to travel.

[@jaihindersingh]

Becas dhey ar maed by britiss. Britiss haigh teknologhee is wurshiipd wurldwaid

[@user-vy4ge4dp3l]

Slow isn't a problem it's fast. If you go fast you can't just relax and enjoy the view.

[@wdubb]

Tram is a healing spot..chill2 in the most hectic city in the world

[@Soleusgaming]

I always wished these were in my country

[@Gatecrasher1]

What a wonderful piece! I was so glad I tried the ding ding on my last trip to Hong Kong primarily to get from part of the city to the other, not realizing the slow ride actually opened up the true city before my eyes.

[@ernestlau6090]

As a Hongkonger, tram is the only thing that allow me to have slow pace of life in this busy and crowded city. Really appreciate the time when sitting on tram . Just look at the view outside and get my mind relaxed without thinking

[@Aficionado2023]

I would love to take the tram. It is slow because it wants people to slow down and enjoy what is around them. People still continue to take it because they have to be fast and quick with everything else in life. This gives them a chance to relax and collect their thoughts.

[@bluejedi723]

its nice to move slow in a crazy fast paced world

[@wynetsang]

In a fast society, anything that makes you slow has the effect of relaxation.

[@jericomp]

We love Tram, we were on July 2023 ❤ 🇮🇩🇭🇰

[@awhkwong]

Tram is pretty much the only thing that make me want to go visit hk again

[@user-vy4ge4dp3l]

120 is a repleca made in 1990 to replica of the original hk trams

[@Sacto1654]

A big advantage of the HK Trams is the cheap cost per ride. Travel on MTR can get quite expensive on longer trips.

[@randomname9758]

This would be great just to check out the city as a tourist. I would totally do that if I visit the city again.

[@gencreeper6476]

In such a busy highly populated place where personal vehicles are probably out of the reach of the majority in terms of cost and hassle this is probably like taking a slow cruise on your day off.

[@Hkchinese888]

Thanks to the British bringing trams to Hong Kong. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧 Glory to Hong Kong

[@BatCountryAdventures]

The tram is therapeutical. No matter how intense work is, a Friday late night cruise through the city just slows everything down again.

[@user-vy4ge4dp3l]

Great memories when uk brang them to hk

[@28excellent]

How to enjoy with the National Security Law?

[@robocop581]

Ask your Mom. She'll tell you after you're breastfed

[@Hkchinese888]

Run (潤）(走）（挍）

[@01tk69]

I would say the tram has been a cultural heritage and icon of Hong Kong and should be maintained.

[@Ttui89.]

This century old tram has lasted. Unlike the *tofu dreg chinese products and construction*

[@LapisandHamtarolover]

C-Milk/ADVChina - *we built these cities on tofu dregs!*

[@wahlee4973]

多謝！

[@shuxiongbao2698]

Low price, convenient, dependable, sight seeing = ❤❤❤ It's like Tesla car for public - brought in way back

[@hosolee3788]

Keep the trams and Keungto birthday party 🎉🎉🎉

[@kenny_boii]

Cheap and you don't need to descend into the MTR system on the island.

[@thelastofthehitachi972]

on the other hand I read they are removing the neon signs in HK

[@user-vy4ge4dp3l]

Still remember 120

[@bouncingBrain]

When I was a 12, 13 year old kid in Hong Kong in the 1960s, I took the tram as much as possible. I hated buses and loved trams. It's hard to imagine any human being, except for a savage, who would want to remove them. I will be visiting Hong Kong in a few days. I plan to take the tram as much as possible 😍

[@hyrenaj2888]

Instead of viewing trams as slow transit, I like to view it as still moving while taking a break 😉

[@m.y.o.b6319]

Never taken HK slowest tram🚃, how it works? Vid said it’s 1-way from West to East, I’m just wondering if it’s the same taking the way back from East to West and able to alight in-between and re-boarding it? 🤔🤔 That super interesting🤨

[@Dumb-Comment]

Also because they have dedicated lane and on rails, traffic jam donesn't affact them

[@elfacisco]

keep the trams!

[@RayMak]

It’s the symbol of Hong Kong

[@hypixelvideos]

140k passengers a day? That's shocking to know as a hker

[@joaquinvaleri7022]

I like the year 2026 because that year will be interesed obviously

[@gwent5914]

So sad to see Leslie and Anita poster on the double decked bus. They have been gone 2 decades.

[@LapisandHamtarolover]

Much like the trams in San Francisco?

[@ray8899]

this is an icon of HK similar to the junk boat and ........ ........ .........

[@JhtRty]

Go Capital China double decker bus?

[@anilhettiarachchi3090]

Hi how are you

[@misterbig9025]

In my country passengers ride on rooftop

[@AllieThePrettyGator]

what are you talking about? Trams are generally slow moving vehicles

[@AlphaVibes]

W transportation

[@iron4517]

Yeah

[@joaquinvaleri7022]

So oops!

[@anglo-saxonconnor817]

Because it slow down your tempo and pacing when you are on it. A much needed rest from the unnecessary fast pacing of life in life.

[@ulfw]

I mean it would honestly be a ton more helpful if those were modern low floor long length trams with air conditioning and higher speed. Let's not kid ourselves. But those won't fit into it's current space. So the current old style ones are just cute the way they are.

[@joaquinvaleri7022]

And sorry again because this is serious

[@iron4517]

Did I just watch a whole video about trams 4:38

[@ZeenathKauser]

🙋🏻‍♀️🤔😊👍

[@justinp5587]

What an oxymoron headline. Typical SCMP

[@joaquinvaleri7022]

And sorry for ruin the year 2026