In Qingdao, a retro tramcar nicknamed "dangdang bus" has recently introduced a new coastal route, drawing inspiration from public buses from the Minguo period (1912-49).

The nostalgic dangdang bus, characterized by a copper bell that rings "dang, dang" as a safety warning, traverses key landmarks such as Badaguan Scenic Area, Taipingjiao Park, May Fourth Square, and the Olympic Sailing Center. The route culminates at the Yinhai Scenic Area, home to the first yacht berthing port in northern China.

The Qingdao dangdang bus route includes a stop at May Fourth Square, a landmark in Qingdao. [Photo/Qingdao News]

Although traditional tramcars from the Minguo period are no longer a part of China's modern public transportation system, the Qingdao dangdang bus serves as a nostalgic tribute, meticulously designed with a brick-red or dark green exterior, wooden floors, and antique driving controls.

The dark green exterior of the dangdang bus gives it a nostalgic vibe evocative of past eras. [Photo/Qingdao News]

Despite its classic appearance, the dangdang bus has been revamped into an eco-friendly pure electric vehicle, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary sustainability.