A ride on the iconic ding ding, or Hong Kong tram is an indispensable part of any visitor’s experience. If you’ve already been on the well-trodden routes from Central to Causeway Bay, take your adventure westward to explore another side of Hong Kong Island. Begin your journey from Sheung Wan and uncover the allure of the Western District all the way to Kennedy Town.

The Western District is a treasure trove of unique experiences: savour artisanal coffee in chic cafes, capture Insta-worthy snaps beside charming British-style red-brick buildings, or unwind on the lush lawns of waterfront parks. Whether you’re an art and culture buff or are simply seeking a tranquil urban retreat, follow our guide to discover the best-kept secrets and popular hotspots of this district.

Kick-start your journey at the Sheung Wan (Western Market) terminus, and in just seven minutes, you’ll arrive at our first destination, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, located by the Sai Ying Pun waterfront. A tribute to Dr Sun Yat Sen’s monumental contributions to modern China, the park boasts thematic designs and amenities. The spacious circular lawn by the sea is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a casual picnic. The park’s allure evolves with the changing seasons, with a long corridor and a large fountain pool adding to its picturesque charm. As you relish the panoramic vistas of Victoria Harbour, you can also see the Tsing Ma Bridge in the distance.

Among the top photo spots in the Western District, the murals at ARTLANE in Sai Ying Pun are must-sees. This cultural hotspot showcases 26 large-scale murals created by local and international artists, each featuring a distinct theme and artistic style.

A 10-minute walk from the 88W Water Street Station, will take you to the University Museum and Art Gallery at the University of Hong Kong on Bonham Road. Situated in the Fung Ping Shan Building of the university, the museum is one of the city’s oldest and has been collecting a diverse range of Chinese art and archaeological treasures from the Neolithic Age to the Qing dynasty since its establishment in 1953. Think magnificent ceramics, exquisite calligraphy and paintings, and sculptures. Admission to the museum is free, so don’t miss it if you enjoy art.

After leaving Sai Ying Pun, take the tram to the 98W Kennedy Town Praya Station. There, you’ll find the Belcher Bay Promenade, which covers an area of about 5,900 square metres and is a picture-perfect spot. This waterfront park offers a 24-hour open space for relaxation and leisure. With its minimalist dark brown wooden flooring and chairs, it provides an ideal setting to enjoy close-up views of Victoria Harbour and the sunset.

Continuing our exploration in Kennedy Town, we arrive at For Single, a minimalist cafe beautifully designed in white. Here, the beverage you can enjoy depends on the time of your visit. During the day, it’s all about single-origin coffee. Each season, they exclusively feature one type of coffee bean, accompanied by an informative card detailing its characteristics, roasting level, brewing method and flavour notes. Sit at the bar for an up-close view of the brewing process or take a seat by the Japanese-style window for a picture-perfect moment and a chat with the barista. After 6pm, the cafe transforms into a whisky bar serving single malt Scotch whisky and dinner, providing another exquisite taste experience.

The final destination on our Hong Kong tram tour brings us to the Sai Wan Swimming Shed. Built in the 1960s and 70s, the swimming shed stands as one of the few remaining in Hong Kong where swimmers can still take a refreshing dip. This natural swimming pool continues to attract elderly swimmers to its tranquil waters. From Victoria Road, descend the stone stairs to discover the quaint wooden bridge of Sai Wan Swimming Shed. Do exercise caution during your visit, as the facilities are rudimentary.