Hong Kong Travel: Sunset Over Victoria Harbour & Ding Ding Trams

This is our family’s one-of-a-kind Citywalk memory of Hong Kong.

In the early morning, before the sky had fully brightened, we were already assembled and ready on the platform at Guangzhou South Station. At 8:45 AM sharp, our high-speed train thundered in, and the two-plus-hour journey flew by. Shortly after 10 AM, we arrived at West Kowloon Station. By the time we cleared immigration and first set foot on Hong Kong soil, it was nearly 11 AM.

Surrounded by a forest of signs, we simply followed our instincts toward Tsim Sha Tsui. Keeping up with the stream of travelers, we made our way to the bus stop and rode on to our hotel in Sai Ying Pun.

Upon arrival, the front-desk clerk greeted us with a warm smile and let us know that official check-in wasn’t until 2:00 PM, so we could only leave our luggage for the time being. Noting that it was around noon, we remained unhurried and settled into a nearby cha chaan teng (tea restaurant).

The steaming milk tea went down silky-smooth, and the pineapple bun—crispy outside, pillowy soft inside—instantly reawakened both our taste buds and our spirits. After a brief rest, we returned to the hotel, easily collected our room key, and set out light and free. Cameras in hand, we began our leisurely stroll to explore this city where East and West dance together.

Continuing our Citywalk saga, upon first arriving in Hong Kong, we couldn’t wait to take in the full vista of Victoria Peak, so we made a beeline for the Peak Tram station. There, an endless line snaked before us—at least a two-hour wait just to purchase tickets and board. My wife and I shared a knowing glance and instead veered off toward the Central Ferris wheel.

After queuing for what felt like ages, we finally hopped aboard the H1 sightseeing bus. It wove us between Central’s mirrored skyscrapers and time-worn colonial façades as we headed for the waterfront. Before we realized it, the sun had dipped low—transformed into a giant, glowing orange orb poised above the Peak’s silhouette and the city’s high-rises. In an instant, Victoria Harbour came alive, its waters flowing molten gold and crimson.

The bus truly became our “sunset rollercoaster,” racing onward as the sun’s shadow danced across the buildings—sometimes brushing the clock-tower spire, sometimes cradled by a glass curtain wall, then slipping into a narrow gap between two towers. Above, the sky bloomed into a breathtaking mauve-gray, and egrets drifted past like black silhouettes against the dying light. The warm breeze on the open-top deck seemed to carry us right into this splendid, final act of the day’s performance.

Arriving at the Avenue of Stars, the sea breeze brushed our faces. The towering buildings lining both sides of Victoria Harbour stood in staggered elegance under the shifting afternoon light. As dusk deepened, we sampled fish balls, curry fish balls, and wun zai chi (碗仔翅, shark fin imitation soup) from a small waterfront stall. These simple street snacks were enough to evoke every imagined sensation of authentic local flavor on our tongues.

Night fell, and we boarded the Star Ferry. The boat rocked gently, the neon lights shimmering in the rippling water, as if all of Hong Kong was waving to us. Back at the Central pier, the Ferris Wheel glowed with soft light. We ascended once more, gazing down from above at the city that never sleeps: a tapestry of countless lights, rivers of flowing traffic, and even the occasional bird flying past seemed drawn to the city's dazzling brilliance.

We returned to our hotel in Sai Ying Pun late at night, yet our spirits were still high. Finding a dessert shop along the street, we savored the sweet-and-sour refreshment of yeung chi gam lo (杨枝甘露, Mango Pomelo Sago) and the contrasting hot-and-cold delight of bing for bo lo yau (冰火菠萝油, Ice-Fire Pineapple Bun). Each bite felt like a double comfort for both stomach and soul. Our son’s eyes sparkled with delight as he savored the late-night treats, his grin as radiant as the city itself.

The next morning, as soon as the sky was barely dawn, our son eagerly roused us: "Quick, take me on the Ding Ding Tram!" With the previous night's desserts not yet fully settled, we set off for Kennedy Town – home to that tram line brimming with quintessential Hong Kong character.

The tram clattered slowly through the streets. The bustling thoroughfares, the mottled walls, and the pedestrians' unhurried steps together sketched nostalgic vignettes of a bygone era. Our son stared intently at the tram bell, occasionally letting out soft "ding-ding" sounds, as if capturing the very rhythm of the city itself.

After getting off the tram, we unexpectedly stumbled upon a Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) that celebrities like Nicholas Tse and Eason Chan had been spotted visiting. Just as some patrons were finishing up, a table cleared, allowing us to be seated immediately without waiting.

We sampled some classic Hong Kong dim sum delights: har gow (shrimp dumplings), fung zao (chicken feet), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), liu sha bao (molten salted egg yolk custard buns)... Bamboo steamer baskets arrived, wisping fragrant steam that carried waves of delicious anticipation. My wife and son savored each bite while snapping photos, their faces radiating pure delight with every mouthful. Meanwhile, I captured this heartwarming family scene through my camera lens, freezing the moment in time.

After our dim sum feast, we strolled to the waterfront promenade in Kennedy Town. A gentle sea breeze brushed past us, while in the distance, a cargo ship sounded its horn—a deep, far-carrying blast that seemed to beckon the heart toward boundless horizons. My wife leaned against the railing, gazing at the boundless meeting point of sky and sea. Holding our son's hand, I listened as he playfully re-enacted the ship's horn—so pure is the world through a child's eyes.

Time flew by. As we checked out of the hotel, our hearts were already brimming with countless precious memories from the past two days. We boarded a bus to the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Through the window, we watched the bridge stretch into the distance — a majestic structure spanning the sea, like a giant dragon winding through the blue waves.

Soon, we were on a bus bound for Macao. As we crossed the bridge, every passing scene outside the window seemed to whisper: this journey is only just beginning.

With Hong Kong behind us, we set off for Macau. Looking back on the past two days — from arriving by high-speed rail to wandering through the city at night, from soaring skyscrapers to serene coastlines — every step was filled with our family’s laughter and joy.

Stay tuned for the next chapter: Macau.