DING, ding, ding! A sound that once echoed through the streets of old Beijing and Hong Kong is now ringing out across a revived railway track in Luohu District. Shenzhen has finally welcomed its very own double-decker vintage “trolley bus,” ready to take passengers on a nostalgic ride through history.

Located at Qingshuihe Railway Park, this charming tram features a dark green body with classic retro styling that instantly transports visitors to a bygone era. Inside, the nostalgic atmosphere continues with a vintage-style spiral staircase connecting the two levels.

The round trip takes approximately 25 minutes, moving at a leisurely pace that allows passengers to soak in every moment. The upper deck offers the best panoramic views, where riders can enjoy the gentle breeze while taking in the scenery.

One of the most magical moments comes when passengers catch sight of high-speed trains thundering past on the adjacent Guangzhou-Shenzhen railway line. The contrast between the slow-moving vintage tram and modern bullet trains creates a surreal scene where old and new China exist side by side — a fleeting glimpse of two different eras converging in a single frame.

Qingshuihe Railway Park itself is a transformed railway complex. Once known as Shenzhen Industrial Station, this site served as the final mainland transfer point for the legendary “Three Express Trains” that delivered fresh livestock and produce to Hong Kong continuously for 48 years, from 1962 to 2010.

Today, the park preserves authentic relics including old platforms, railway tracks, signal lights, and green carriages, making it one of Shenzhen’s most photogenic retro destinations.

Must-visit spots

Dongfeng Locomotive: A stationary vintage locomotive perfect for capturing industrial aesthetics

Three Express Trains Museum (三趟快车博物馆): Shenzhen’s first railway-themed museum, featuring historical photographs, cargo manifests, and authentic railway artifacts

Pink Piggy transport carriage: A pink carriage that once transported livestock, now a favorite photo spot

Republic of China-style platform: Versatile backdrop for retro and Hong Kong-style photography

Immersive track cinema: Experience the history of the Three Express Trains through cutting-edge projection technology

Dangdang car hours: 1 p.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays; 10 a.m.–10 p.m. on weekends and holidays; departs on the hour and every 30 minutes thereafter

Venue: Inside Qingshuihe Railway Park, Luohu District (罗湖区清水河铁路公园内)

Metro: Line 3 to Caopu Station (草埔站), Exit D3; or Line 14 to Luohu North Station (罗湖北站), Exit H2(Tang Li)