A Guide to Photographing Hong Kong's Trams

Trams started running along the island's north shore in 1904. While the city has changed dramatically around it, the trams themselves also regularly change advertisement liveries and the fleet is undergoing renewal in the next few years with new exteriors and interiors. This is a guide to where to best capture the fleet of 165, the world's largest double-deck fleet, along its 30km route.
Photograph safely. Since our trams move fairly slowly, there is no need to run across the street to chase after them like the bus spotting crowd. All the below 27 locations don't require stepping onto traffic and you can comfortably enjoy these historic relics from the sidewalk.
Kennedy Town

#1 :
Trams awaiting their next journey from the Kennedy Town Terminus are parked on Cadogan Street. As they are mainly stationary here, photography is relatively easy here from the edge of the park.

#2 :
As you walk along the northern side of Catchick Street, you will notice trams that stop for long periods of time near Smithfield. This stretch of street has many older buildings which offer a good contrast frame.

#3 :
When crossing eastwards on the north side of the Kennedy Town Praya - Sai Cheung Street intersection, a protected island is a good place to see the incoming trams waiting for the light.

#4 :
The Whitty Street terminus is a good place to capture trams that move slowly through the intersection. At the crosswalk right under the Hill Road overpass on the north side of Des Voeux Road West, there is a protected island that can offer a horizontal capture as the tram accelerates out of the terminus. Views from right in front of the terminus are also good. Either way, the huge building block behind it would offer a good frame.

#5 :
A short walk to the east, the Des Voeux Road crosswalk just outside Hong Kong Plaza also has a protected island mid-way where you can capture the tram (and bus) negotiating the bend coming towards you.

Western District / Sheung Wan

#6 :
The south side of Des Voeux Road West at the Western Police Station is a good place to capture eastbound trams that pull into the stop. There is another huge building behind it to give a good frame.

#7 :
As the road bends turning into Sheung Wan from the dried seafood shops, 2 IFC comes into frame. There is a traffic light here so you should be able to capture them coming westwards at a stationary position. Stay on the north side of the street and be patient as eastbound traffic is plenty.

#8 :
The pedestrian bridge from Western Market to Shun Tak is a good place to see the trams coming in both directions. A better place is to stand right by the staircase at street level to see the westbound trams stop. Trams run on a segregated lane here so other vehicles won't get in your way.
The Western Market also has a transport vehicle model shop with plenty of unique souvenirs on offer.

#9 :
On the other side of the Western Market, stand at Morrison Street and Des Voeux Road Central facing right at the terminus. Trams need to slowly negotiate the 90-degree bend so you have plenty of time to focus and click.

Central

#10 :
The pedestrian bridge from Hang Seng Bank to Central Market is a safe place to observe the street activity below.

#11 :
Standing just outside Alexandra House at the triangular intersection between Des Voeux Road Central, Chater Road, and Pedder Street, this is a good spot to see westbound trams pull into the stop especially on Sunday when eastbound traffic is light.

#12 :
Trams negotiate a bend just east of HSBC around Chater Garden. To capture westbound trams at the HSBC stop, stand mid-way at the crosswalk at Bank Street, where there is a protected walkway separating the tram tracks from vehicle traffic. To capture eastbound trams, stand just outside the historic Bank of China Building, or across the street at the Court of Final Appeal to capture trams negotiating the bend.

Admiralty / Wanchai

#14 :
The Pacific Place stop is usually busy on weekdays as office workers head both east and west for lunch. Standing at the bottom of the staircase from the mall, you are just ahead of the westbound stop for a good capture with skyscrapers in the background.

#15 :
Johnston Road is a relatively narrow street so it is easy to capture trams without a lot of other traffic getting in your way. Foot traffic will likely become the nuisance. As the route turns into Wanchai, stop just outside Methodist House to capture westbound trams pull into the stop.

#16 :
The Pawn is a heritage building that has been revitalized into a fancy restaurant. Capturing a historic tram against this historic building is a double bonus. There is a small island along the crossing that connects to the eastbound stop to allow for this scene.

#17 :
Just outside exit A3 of Wanchai MTR station, head towards the metal barriers along Johnston Road curve around Thomson Road and watch the westbound trams pull into the stop. You will be sheltered in this space although there are likely street stalls or booths set up nearby or right there.

Continuing east ...
Causeway Bay

#18 :
The Happy Valley spur line begins on Percival Street. As traffic goes one way and there is a stop shortly after the turn, it is easy to photograph them set against an old building right behind it.
Photo to come

#19 :
A circular pedestrian bridge above Yee Wo Street offers a good perspective of all the traffic in the area. On the southwest corner's staircase, you will catch eastbound trams pull into the stop. Some short-turn trams will move into the roundabout terminus just to the east in front of the Regal Hotel.

#20 :
Stand outside Park Towers' 2nd block just outside the bus terminus exit. Westbound trams stop just outside and you should be under the shade to spot them.

Continuing east ...
North Point

#21 :
To the left of exit A of Fortress Hill MTR station, head up the staircase part way to watch the action on King's Road. Eastbound trams would stop at the light right ahead of you.

#22 :
The North Point Terminus is quite a sight. The tracks move along a busy pedestrian market street slowly from west to east. If arriving by tram, ride through the market and get off at the terminus then walk back along the market (#23) towards this spot.

#23 :
After capturing trams entering Chun Yeung Street, head to the end to watch them move slowly through the market.

Continuing east ...
Quarry Bay

#24 :
The Mount Parker Road stop is actually a good bus spotting location for westbound, but eastbound trams turning the bend.

Continuing east ...
Sai Wan Ho / Shau Kei Wan

#25 :
Just east of the Holy Cross Path, the northern pedestrian sidewalk widens with a good view of the westbound tram stop.

#26 :
Hoi Foo Street appears to be a crew change stop where trams may sit for a little while. This part of town has a lot of old and gritty buildings that give an interesting street view.

#27 :
Shau Kei Wan's tram terminus is unique with a roundabout design. There aren't too many cars coming in so you can photograph to your heart's content safely. You can even go up to the McDonald's which gives a higher floor view of the terminus.


Trams started running along the island's north shore in 1904. While the city has changed dramatically around it, the trams themselves also regularly change advertisement liveries and the fleet is undergoing renewal in the next few years with new exteriors and interiors. This is a guide to where to best capture the fleet of 165, the world's largest double-deck fleet, along its 30km route. Photograph safely. Since our trams move fairly slowly, there is no need to run across the street to chase after them like the bus spotting crowd. All the below 27 locations don't require stepping onto traffic and you can comfortably enjoy these historic relics from the sidewalk. Kennedy Town
#1 : Trams awaiting their next journey from the Kennedy Town Terminus are parked on Cadogan Street. As they are mainly stationary here, photography is relatively easy here from the edge of the park.
#2 : As you walk along the northern side of Catchick Street, you will notice trams that stop for long periods of time near Smithfield. This stretch of street has many older buildings which offer a good contrast frame.
#3 : When crossing eastwards on the north side of the Kennedy Town Praya - Sai Cheung Street intersection, a protected island is a good place to see the incoming trams waiting for the light.
#4 : The Whitty Street terminus is a good place to capture trams that move slowly through the intersection. At the crosswalk right under the Hill Road overpass on the north side of Des Voeux Road West, there is a protected island that can offer a horizontal capture as the tram accelerates out of the terminus. Views from right in front of the terminus are also good. Either way, the huge building block behind it would offer a good frame.
#5 : A short walk to the east, the Des Voeux Road crosswalk just outside Hong Kong Plaza also has a protected island mid-way where you can capture the tram (and bus) negotiating the bend coming towards you.
Western District / Sheung Wan
#6 : The south side of Des Voeux Road West at the Western Police Station is a good place to capture eastbound trams that pull into the stop. There is another huge building behind it to give a good frame.
#7 : As the road bends turning into Sheung Wan from the dried seafood shops, 2 IFC comes into frame. There is a traffic light here so you should be able to capture them coming westwards at a stationary position. Stay on the north side of the street and be patient as eastbound traffic is plenty.
#8 : The pedestrian bridge from Western Market to Shun Tak is a good place to see the trams coming in both directions. A better place is to stand right by the staircase at street level to see the westbound trams stop. Trams run on a segregated lane here so other vehicles won't get in your way. The Western Market also has a transport vehicle model shop with plenty of unique souvenirs on offer.
#9 : On the other side of the Western Market, stand at Morrison Street and Des Voeux Road Central facing right at the terminus. Trams need to slowly negotiate the 90-degree bend so you have plenty of time to focus and click.
Central
#10 : The pedestrian bridge from Hang Seng Bank to Central Market is a safe place to observe the street activity below.
#11 : Standing just outside Alexandra House at the triangular intersection between Des Voeux Road Central, Chater Road, and Pedder Street, this is a good spot to see westbound trams pull into the stop especially on Sunday when eastbound traffic is light.
#12 : Trams negotiate a bend just east of HSBC around Chater Garden. To capture westbound trams at the HSBC stop, stand mid-way at the crosswalk at Bank Street, where there is a protected walkway separating the tram tracks from vehicle traffic. To capture eastbound trams, stand just outside the historic Bank of China Building, or across the street at the Court of Final Appeal to capture trams negotiating the bend.
Admiralty / Wanchai
#14 : The Pacific Place stop is usually busy on weekdays as office workers head both east and west for lunch. Standing at the bottom of the staircase from the mall, you are just ahead of the westbound stop for a good capture with skyscrapers in the background.
#15 : Johnston Road is a relatively narrow street so it is easy to capture trams without a lot of other traffic getting in your way. Foot traffic will likely become the nuisance. As the route turns into Wanchai, stop just outside Methodist House to capture westbound trams pull into the stop.
#16 : The Pawn is a heritage building that has been revitalized into a fancy restaurant. Capturing a historic tram against this historic building is a double bonus. There is a small island along the crossing that connects to the eastbound stop to allow for this scene.
#17 : Just outside exit A3 of Wanchai MTR station, head towards the metal barriers along Johnston Road curve around Thomson Road and watch the westbound trams pull into the stop. You will be sheltered in this space although there are likely street stalls or booths set up nearby or right there.
Continuing east ... Causeway Bay
#18 : The Happy Valley spur line begins on Percival Street. As traffic goes one way and there is a stop shortly after the turn, it is easy to photograph them set against an old building right behind it.	Photo to come
#19 : A circular pedestrian bridge above Yee Wo Street offers a good perspective of all the traffic in the area. On the southwest corner's staircase, you will catch eastbound trams pull into the stop. Some short-turn trams will move into the roundabout terminus just to the east in front of the Regal Hotel.
#20 : Stand outside Park Towers' 2nd block just outside the bus terminus exit. Westbound trams stop just outside and you should be under the shade to spot them.
Continuing east ... North Point
#21 : To the left of exit A of Fortress Hill MTR station, head up the staircase part way to watch the action on King's Road. Eastbound trams would stop at the light right ahead of you.
#22 : The North Point Terminus is quite a sight. The tracks move along a busy pedestrian market street slowly from west to east. If arriving by tram, ride through the market and get off at the terminus then walk back along the market (#23) towards this spot.
#23 : After capturing trams entering Chun Yeung Street, head to the end to watch them move slowly through the market.
Continuing east ... Quarry Bay
#24 : The Mount Parker Road stop is actually a good bus spotting location for westbound, but eastbound trams turning the bend.
Continuing east ... Sai Wan Ho / Shau Kei Wan
#25 : Just east of the Holy Cross Path, the northern pedestrian sidewalk widens with a good view of the westbound tram stop.
#26 : Hoi Foo Street appears to be a crew change stop where trams may sit for a little while. This part of town has a lot of old and gritty buildings that give an interesting street view.
#27 : Shau Kei Wan's tram terminus is unique with a roundabout design. There aren't too many cars coming in so you can photograph to your heart's content safely. You can even go up to the McDonald's which gives a higher floor view of the terminus.

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A Guide to Photographing Hong Kong's Trams

#1 : Trams awaiting their next journey from the Kennedy Town Terminus are parked on Cadogan Street. As they are mainly stationary here, photography is relatively easy here from the edge of the park.

#2 : As you walk along the northern side of Catchick Street, you will notice trams that stop for long periods of time near Smithfield. This stretch of street has many older buildings which offer a good contrast frame.

#3 : When crossing eastwards on the north side of the Kennedy Town Praya - Sai Cheung Street intersection, a protected island is a good place to see the incoming trams waiting for the light.

#5 : A short walk to the east, the Des Voeux Road crosswalk just outside Hong Kong Plaza also has a protected island mid-way where you can capture the tram (and bus) negotiating the bend coming towards you.

Western District / Sheung Wan

#6 : The south side of Des Voeux Road West at the Western Police Station is a good place to capture eastbound trams that pull into the stop. There is another huge building behind it to give a good frame.

#7 : As the road bends turning into Sheung Wan from the dried seafood shops, 2 IFC comes into frame. There is a traffic light here so you should be able to capture them coming westwards at a stationary position. Stay on the north side of the street and be patient as eastbound traffic is plenty.

#9 : On the other side of the Western Market, stand at Morrison Street and Des Voeux Road Central facing right at the terminus. Trams need to slowly negotiate the 90-degree bend so you have plenty of time to focus and click.

Central

#10 : The pedestrian bridge from Hang Seng Bank to Central Market is a safe place to observe the street activity below.

#11 : Standing just outside Alexandra House at the triangular intersection between Des Voeux Road Central, Chater Road, and Pedder Street, this is a good spot to see westbound trams pull into the stop especially on Sunday when eastbound traffic is light.

Admiralty / Wanchai

#14 : The Pacific Place stop is usually busy on weekdays as office workers head both east and west for lunch. Standing at the bottom of the staircase from the mall, you are just ahead of the westbound stop for a good capture with skyscrapers in the background.

#15 : Johnston Road is a relatively narrow street so it is easy to capture trams without a lot of other traffic getting in your way. Foot traffic will likely become the nuisance. As the route turns into Wanchai, stop just outside Methodist House to capture westbound trams pull into the stop.

#16 : The Pawn is a heritage building that has been revitalized into a fancy restaurant. Capturing a historic tram against this historic building is a double bonus. There is a small island along the crossing that connects to the eastbound stop to allow for this scene.

#17 : Just outside exit A3 of Wanchai MTR station, head towards the metal barriers along Johnston Road curve around Thomson Road and watch the westbound trams pull into the stop. You will be sheltered in this space although there are likely street stalls or booths set up nearby or right there.

Continuing east ... Causeway Bay

#18 : The Happy Valley spur line begins on Percival Street. As traffic goes one way and there is a stop shortly after the turn, it is easy to photograph them set against an old building right behind it.

#20 : Stand outside Park Towers' 2nd block just outside the bus terminus exit. Westbound trams stop just outside and you should be under the shade to spot them.

Continuing east ... North Point

#21 : To the left of exit A of Fortress Hill MTR station, head up the staircase part way to watch the action on King's Road. Eastbound trams would stop at the light right ahead of you.

#22 : The North Point Terminus is quite a sight. The tracks move along a busy pedestrian market street slowly from west to east. If arriving by tram, ride through the market and get off at the terminus then walk back along the market (#23) towards this spot.

#23 : After capturing trams entering Chun Yeung Street, head to the end to watch them move slowly through the market.

Continuing east ... Quarry Bay

#24 : The Mount Parker Road stop is actually a good bus spotting location for westbound, but eastbound trams turning the bend.

Continuing east ... Sai Wan Ho / Shau Kei Wan

#25 : Just east of the Holy Cross Path, the northern pedestrian sidewalk widens with a good view of the westbound tram stop.

#26 : Hoi Foo Street appears to be a crew change stop where trams may sit for a little while. This part of town has a lot of old and gritty buildings that give an interesting street view.

#27 : Shau Kei Wan's tram terminus is unique with a roundabout design. There aren't too many cars coming in so you can photograph to your heart's content safely. You can even go up to the McDonald's which gives a higher floor view of the terminus.

#1 :
Trams awaiting their next journey from the Kennedy Town Terminus are parked on Cadogan Street. As they are mainly stationary here, photography is relatively easy here from the edge of the park.

#2 :
As you walk along the northern side of Catchick Street, you will notice trams that stop for long periods of time near Smithfield. This stretch of street has many older buildings which offer a good contrast frame.

#3 :
When crossing eastwards on the north side of the Kennedy Town Praya - Sai Cheung Street intersection, a protected island is a good place to see the incoming trams waiting for the light.

#5 :
A short walk to the east, the Des Voeux Road crosswalk just outside Hong Kong Plaza also has a protected island mid-way where you can capture the tram (and bus) negotiating the bend coming towards you.

#6 :
The south side of Des Voeux Road West at the Western Police Station is a good place to capture eastbound trams that pull into the stop. There is another huge building behind it to give a good frame.

#7 :
As the road bends turning into Sheung Wan from the dried seafood shops, 2 IFC comes into frame. There is a traffic light here so you should be able to capture them coming westwards at a stationary position. Stay on the north side of the street and be patient as eastbound traffic is plenty.

#9 :
On the other side of the Western Market, stand at Morrison Street and Des Voeux Road Central facing right at the terminus. Trams need to slowly negotiate the 90-degree bend so you have plenty of time to focus and click.

#10 :
The pedestrian bridge from Hang Seng Bank to Central Market is a safe place to observe the street activity below.

#11 :
Standing just outside Alexandra House at the triangular intersection between Des Voeux Road Central, Chater Road, and Pedder Street, this is a good spot to see westbound trams pull into the stop especially on Sunday when eastbound traffic is light.

#14 :
The Pacific Place stop is usually busy on weekdays as office workers head both east and west for lunch. Standing at the bottom of the staircase from the mall, you are just ahead of the westbound stop for a good capture with skyscrapers in the background.

#15 :
Johnston Road is a relatively narrow street so it is easy to capture trams without a lot of other traffic getting in your way. Foot traffic will likely become the nuisance. As the route turns into Wanchai, stop just outside Methodist House to capture westbound trams pull into the stop.

#16 :
The Pawn is a heritage building that has been revitalized into a fancy restaurant. Capturing a historic tram against this historic building is a double bonus. There is a small island along the crossing that connects to the eastbound stop to allow for this scene.

#17 :
Just outside exit A3 of Wanchai MTR station, head towards the metal barriers along Johnston Road curve around Thomson Road and watch the westbound trams pull into the stop. You will be sheltered in this space although there are likely street stalls or booths set up nearby or right there.

Continuing east ...
Causeway Bay

#18 :
The Happy Valley spur line begins on Percival Street. As traffic goes one way and there is a stop shortly after the turn, it is easy to photograph them set against an old building right behind it.

#20 :
Stand outside Park Towers' 2nd block just outside the bus terminus exit. Westbound trams stop just outside and you should be under the shade to spot them.

Continuing east ...
North Point

#21 :
To the left of exit A of Fortress Hill MTR station, head up the staircase part way to watch the action on King's Road. Eastbound trams would stop at the light right ahead of you.

#22 :
The North Point Terminus is quite a sight. The tracks move along a busy pedestrian market street slowly from west to east. If arriving by tram, ride through the market and get off at the terminus then walk back along the market (#23) towards this spot.

#23 :
After capturing trams entering Chun Yeung Street, head to the end to watch them move slowly through the market.

Continuing east ...
Quarry Bay

#24 :
The Mount Parker Road stop is actually a good bus spotting location for westbound, but eastbound trams turning the bend.

Continuing east ...
Sai Wan Ho / Shau Kei Wan

#25 :
Just east of the Holy Cross Path, the northern pedestrian sidewalk widens with a good view of the westbound tram stop.

#26 :
Hoi Foo Street appears to be a crew change stop where trams may sit for a little while. This part of town has a lot of old and gritty buildings that give an interesting street view.

#27 :
Shau Kei Wan's tram terminus is unique with a roundabout design. There aren't too many cars coming in so you can photograph to your heart's content safely. You can even go up to the McDonald's which gives a higher floor view of the terminus.