Slow down to see the real Hong Kong
The ‘Hearts in Motion Ding! Ding! Ding!’ programme offers free tram tours to disadvantaged members of the community that showcase Hong Kong’s history and culture while educating participants about the importance of heritage conservation.
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Dubbed by locals as 'ding ding', a ride on Hong Kong's iconic tram is a novel way to explore the city's rich and varied culture. By taking a tram ride through the Hong Kong Island, you can experience the city's multi-faceted history from another perspective. A city of contrasts, in Hong Kong you can find skyscrapers nestled beside colonial architecture and high-rises standing next to Chinese temples.
With the support of various non-profit organisations and charities, Chinachem Group is now running the ‘Hearts in Motion Ding! Ding! Ding!’ tram tour that enables community members from different backgrounds to experience Hong Kong’s storied past.
With the programme running until mid-January 2022, the tram tours are expected to welcome on board 4,000 passengers, who are mainly elderly residents, children, students and underprivileged families served by Yan Chai Hospital, Fu Hong Society, Tsuen Wan Kwai Ching Women’s Association, CLP Power Connect Programme and Child Development Matching Fund.
The journey is narrated by a passionate guide telling the city’s many stories and legends, both well-known and little known, while the tram piles its way along the reserved track that weaves through Sheung Wan, Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay.
An epic ride through Hong Kong’s iconic and historic landmarks
This epic tram ride is like a time machine transporting passengers to the past. As the tram sets off through Sheung Wan, they learn the humble history of Sheung Wan, which has, however, been transformed into a trendy neighbourhood over the past ten years.
Revitalised from a Grade III historic building, Central Market is the newest landmark in the very heart of Central. Spread over three storeys, the building offers a mix of retail and dining spaces, as well as 1,000 square metres of green open space accessible to the public.
Managed and operated by Chinachem Group, Central Market exemplifies the group's philosophy of placemaking – a people-centric approach to planning, design and management of public spaces. The central idea is to make Hong Kong a better place to live and work for everyone. That's why Central Market is designed as a 'playground for all'.
As the tram goes past Des Voeux Road Central, the colonial-era State Square and the Court of Final Appeal Building present a beautiful contrast to the HSBC Building and the Bank of China Tower just across the road. When in Admiralty, passengers are told of the area's military history as a base for the British navy.
Wan Chai, the stop that follows Admiralty, is a district where old meets new, east meets west. Between Admiralty and Wan Chai stands One Hennessy, which was redeveloped by Chinachem Group from the former Asian House. It is now a state-of-the-art, LEED-certified modern office building with various green features.
Johnston Road of Wan Chai is famous for its dazzling neon lights, which are used to attract customers to the area's many restaurants, shops and bars. Built in the ‘tong lau’ style, The Pawn forms a striking contrast to Wan Chai's neon lights and modern high-rises.
As the tram makes its way into Causeway Bay, passengers are told of the fun facts about Canal Road West. The original canal, which is now covered over and runs underneath Canal Road East and Canal Road West, allowed small vessels to sail under various bridges along the route.
Since this long, narrow canal resembles a goose's neck, the area was described as 'goose neck' back then. The river's landmark bridge, Bowrington Bridge, has also been dubbed as 'goose neck bridge' ever since.
Forging an inclusive community
“They all enjoyed the tram ride very much and learned a lot about Hong Kong’s history from the tour! I’m sure the memory will stay with them for a long time,” said a youth social worker after escorting a group of secondary school students on a tram tour.
Another NGO supporting underprivileged families said the tram tour is a great way for children of disadvantaged families to see another side of Hong Kong outside of where they live and go to school. “We hope the organiser will continue to arrange such activities for these families,” it said.
“People from different social backgrounds will take tram rides to enjoy unique aspects of Hong Kong’s urban neighbourhoods while gaining a better understanding about cultural conservation as well as the economic development we have achieved,” said Dr Bernard Chan Pak-li, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, at the kick-off ceremony in mid-November.
“I am truly grateful for the heartfelt dedication of so many people, enterprises and organisations that have not only achieved excellent performance but also have proactively given back to society. Despite today’s relatively difficult circumstances, they have executed a host of different projects that support various segments in need and graciously added value to society at large.”
“Based on our philosophy of creating - ‘Places with Heart’, we understand the importance of inclusiveness and sharing the love and passion we have for our neighbourhoods. By organising a variety of projects, we want to show care for society and create shared values,” said Donald Choi, executive director and chief executive officer of Chinachem Group.
"As one of our major community cultural projects for the year, 'Hearts in Motion Ding! Ding! Ding!' provides an opportunity for those who want to enjoy a tram ride. Not only are trams an environmentally friendly mode of transport, but they also provide an engaging way to explore our city's historical and modern connections. The aim is to help the community understand better and appreciate heritage conservation, sustainability and placemaking."