Wong Man-wai can diagnose patients, feel pulses, and prepare herbal prescriptions in a private Chinese medicine clinic in Choi Hung, Hong Kong. But beyond his identity as a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, Wong is also a devoted and experienced transport enthusiast.
Wong's passion for railways began during childhood, when he often took train rides with his parents — what is now known as the East Rail Line — to explore the city. With a keen eye for detail, he noticed subtle differences in train models, exteriors, and even seat arrangements. That curiosity sparked a lifelong interest in all modes of transportation.
"Today, it's so convenient to travel by train — whether to nearby Greater Bay Area cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, or even as far as Beijing and Shanghai," Wong said, "But the most unforgettable train journey I've ever taken was to Pyongyang, North Korea in the summer of 2016."
Wong recalled the multi-leg trip: starting from Shenzhen North Station, he boarded an overnight high-speed sleeper train to Beijing. From there, he took the K27 train to Dandong, Liaoning, and finally boarded an international train jointly operated by China and North Korea, which took him across the border into Pyongyang. The journey required joining a guided tour group, as independent travel into North Korea was not permitted.
Upon arrival in Pyongyang, Wong also explored the city's subway system."The trains, stations, and platforms all had a very classical design. What left the deepest impression were the numerous portraits of North Korean leaders," he said,"It was also quite surprising to find that the transportation system in North Korea wasn't as outdated as I had imagined."
Wong believes that his interest in railways has sharpened his powers of observation and attention to detail. It has also helped him connect with fellow enthusiasts, sharing transportation tips and sightseeing spots.
His passion doesn't stop at trains — Wong is also fascinated by aircraft and buses. Earlier this year, when he learned that Air China would be retiring its three Boeing 747-400 aircraft, he quickly organized a trip with aviation-loving friends to ride one of the final flights, from Shenzhen to Beijing, onboard the aircraft with tail number B-2447. "We were lucky enough to spot all three retiring 747s in Beijing," he said excitedly.
In early 2024, Wong also visited the Sydney Bus Museum, where he discovered three retired Hong Kong buses on display. The experience left a deep impression on him and inspired a new dream: he hopes that Hong Kong could one day establish a bus museum to preserve unique bus models and allow vintage buses to be brought back into operation."A bus is not just a static exhibit — it carries the memories of an entire generation," Wong reflected.
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