The "Dangdang Car" (Clang car) is Beijing's term for the tram. It gets its name from the copper bell attached to the front of the car; when the driver steps on a pedal, the bell rings with a "dangdang" sound, alerting pedestrians to move aside. The first tram line in Beijing opened in Qianmen in 1924. With urban development, trams gradually went out of service. Today, the retro "Dangdang Car" with its green body, wooden windows, and brown roof has become a new way for visitors to enjoy night tours in Beijing.
The route combines unique transportation, night sightseeing, and cultural landscapes. It passes through famous cultural landmarks and sights, including Zhengyangmen, Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China, and the Great Hall of the People. This integration of museum culture and Beijing's historical culture has created a distinctive new tourism product, contributing to the development of Beijing's nighttime economy.
[Night Sightseeing Tour | Old Beijing Retro Dangdang Car]
Authentic Experience | Tiananmen, Dongchang'anjie(Ave)
Daily from 17:00-22:00, continuous departures, leaves when full.
[Dangdang Car Route]
1. First Stop: Qianmen
2. Second Stop: Tiananmen Square
3. Third Stop: National Museum of China
4. Fourth Stop: Beijing Hotel
5. Fifth Stop: Beijing International Hotel
6. Sixth Stop: Ancient Observatory
7. Seventh Stop: Jianguomen (turnaround point)
8. Eighth Stop: Wangfujing
9. Ninth Stop: East of Tiananmen
10. Tenth Stop: Tiananmen Gate Tower
11. Eleventh Stop: Great Hall of the People
12. Twelfth Stop: Qianmen
[Departure Location]
Bus stop on the west side of the northern entrance of Qianmen Dajie(St) (Southwest Corner of Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower)
[Departure Time]
Daily from 17:00 to 22:00, departures every hour, leaves as soon as full.
[Operating Route]
Qianmen - Tiananmen Square - National Museum of China - Beijing Hotel - Dongdan (starting point for National Day parade) - Ancient Observatory - Jianguomen (turnaround point) - Wangfujing - East of Tiananmen - Tiananmen Gate Tower - Great Hall of the People - Qianmen
[Dangdang Car - Special Features]
Dangdang Car:
The retro "Dangdang Car" is modeled after the city's first tram.
Beijing Characteristic:
A single glance at it will captivate you with its vintage charm. Riding it around is a unique way to experience the old Beijing ambiance.
Trams:
Why is it called a "Dangdang Car"? In the past time of Beijing, this term referred to trams. The name comes from the copper bell attached to the front of the car; when the driver steps on a pedal, the bell rings with a "dangdang" sound, alerting pedestrians to move aside. This was Beijing's first generation of modern transportation. Today, the "Dangdang Car", while missing the tracks and a "long braid" compared to the original, faithfully restores the tram's classic appearance.
Translator: NIU Lihua
