STORY: Touring Hong Kong with centennial trams
DATELINE: June 26, 2023
LENGTH: 0:01:48
LOCATION: HONG KONG, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Hong Kong trams
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Cantonese): NIXON CHEUNG, Head of Commercial and Brand at Hong Kong Tramways
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Cantonese): NIXON CHEUNG, Head of Commercial and Brand at Hong Kong Tramways
4. various of Hong Kong trams

STORYLINE:

Hong Kong trams, called "Ding Ding" by locals, have long been one of the city's essential icons.

For many people here, the tram represents the laid-back lifestyle and unique charm of Hong Kong. It offers a glimpse into the city's history and modern landscape.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Cantonese): NIXON CHEUNG, Head of Commercial and Brand at Hong Kong Tramways
"They (many people in Hong Kong) think time is so precious that they have to work against the clock, which actually makes them very exhausted. I hope passengers can relax and take a break on the tram. They can look at the views through the windows and feel the tenderness of the wind."

"Ding Ding," which has been in operation since 1904, currently has a fleet of 165 trams.

Compared with other modes of transportation, the trams were relatively inexpensive and less susceptible to traffic congestion, as they run on their own tracks.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Cantonese): NIXON CHEUNG, Head of Commercial and Brand at Hong Kong Tramways
"Having a long history doesn't mean the tram is a kind of old-fashioned thing. We want to rejuvenate the brand of the trams so we held a big campaign in 2017. Our cards, the appearance of the trams and slogans have changed. The slogan has been changed to "Catch a ride, Catch a smile!" Just like the original intention I mentioned before, I simply hope that our passengers can be happy on the trams."

In 2021, Hong Kong Tramways was awarded the Guinness World Record as "the largest fleet of double-decker trams in service."

Carrying 100 years of history and memories, the "Ding Ding" trams continue to move forward with the city, in a delicate balance between tradition and modernity, past and future.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Hong Kong, China.
(XHTV)