Dragon Centre's abandoned indoor roller coaster becomes Xiaohongshu's latest hit

The currently unused roller coaster within the Dragon Centre has captured the fascination of users on Xiaohongshu, turning it into a popular spot for photography. Many posts highlight its eerie, abandoned aesthetic, while others delve into the reasons behind its disuse.

Opened in 1994, the Dragon Centre in Sham Shui Po houses Hong Kong's only indoor roller coaster, the "Sky Train." Launched concurrently with the mall, it operated until 2003. Despite ceasing operations, the distinctive yellow tracks that wind around the upper floors of the mall are preserved, adding a unique feature to the center.

Recently, these tracks have become a sought-after photography subject for Xiaohongshu users, drawing numerous visitors eager to capture its charm.

The "Sky Train" enjoyed immense popularity during its operational years. Over its nine-year lifespan, it carried more than 2 million passengers, including celebrities like Nicholas Tse, Leon Lai, and Stephy Tang.

The roller coaster also featured in various Hong Kong TV dramas, such as "Feminine Masculinity" with Gallen Lo and Flora Chan, and the ATV series "My Date with a Vampire," which included scenes filmed on the roller coaster.

Posts by mainland netizens on Xiaohongshu show the track on the top floor covered in dust and fading in color, evoking a sense of decay. Some users described this aesthetic as dreamcore—a surrealist style that incorporates elements typically associated with dreams, daydreams, or nightmares.

Many commenters reminisced about their experiences on the roller coaster, recalling visits with their first loves and trips to the ice skating rink.

Discussions also arose about why the roller coaster ceased operations. In 2017, a center spokesperson explained to the media that the service was discontinued following an accident on an indoor roller coaster in the United States in 2003, prioritizing safety concerns.

The spokesperson emphasized that during its nine years of operation, the roller coaster had been accident-free.