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The first ever Ding on “Ding Ding” Chess on the Tram Event happened in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s century-old Ding Ding trams became the stage for a truly historic event—the “Ding on Ding Ding” simultaneous chess match organized by the Caissa Hong Kong Chess Club. This one-of-a-kind initiative brought together former World Chess Champion Ding Liren and the city’s beloved tram culture, transforming a moving tram into a dynamic chess arena.

In this unprecedented event—the first of its kind in Hong Kong—Caissa student players were joined by longtime supporters and chess enthusiasts from the community, all eager for the rare opportunity to challenge a world-class Grandmaster aboard an iconic Hong Kong tram.

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Ding Liren, the 2018 Chess Olympiad team gold medalist and 2023 World Chess Champion, is renowned for his strategic brilliance and humble presence. As the first Chinese player to claim the world title, he continues to be a driving force in promoting chess across Asia.

At 4:00 p.m. sharp, Ding arrived at the Kennedy Town Tram Depot. With trademark composure under the watchful eye of Phoenix TV cameras, he greeted organizers and boarded the specially outfitted “Chess King Ding Ding” tram. Inside, players took their seats along both sides of the carriage, each facing a magnetic chessboard fixed to the table in front of them. Ding moved gracefully through the tram, pausing briefly at each board to assess positions and make his moves with calm precision.

As the tram rolled through the streets of Central and Causeway Bay, the atmosphere inside was intense yet focused. Amid the hum of the city, chess became the unifying rhythm. After 90 minutes of play, the tram returned to Kennedy Town Depot—where Ding completed his matches with all wins except for one surprising draw against a rising young talent, drawing admiration from spectators and fellow players alike.

From the determination on the players’ faces to the seamless blend of movement and concentration, the event captured more than just a game—it embodied the fusion of tradition, innovation, and intellectual pursuit. “Ding on Ding Ding” not only carved a new milestone in Hong Kong’s chess history but also highlighted the city’s unique ability to turn cultural icons into platforms for creativity and inspiration.