New MTR train showcases local art, landmarks

An MTR train featuring interiors designed by local artists, Olympic medallist Sarah Lee Wai-sze and school kids showcasing Hong Kong landmarks, including Goldfish Street in Mong Kok, debuted yesterday.

The train will run along the East Rail line until the end of the year.

Passengers of East Rail line now have the chance to immerse themselves in a colorful train experience featuring the characteristics of the various stations along the route.

The vibrant train features over 900 square meters of artwork, equivalent to the area of more than two standard basketball courts.

Departing from Racecourse station, the train first stopped at Tai Po station for public viewing and photographs.

As the train pulled in to Tai Po Market, a large number of railway fans waited on the platform to take pictures, while some parents brought their children to see the train.

Though the event was delayed by half an hour, the artwork on the train's walls was so beautiful that people felt it was worth the wait.

Each carriage features different designs specific to two stations along the line.

The carriage featuring Mong Kok East station is decorated with golden fish, flowers and parrots. And the carriage representing Kowloon Tong features an illustration of Festival Walk.

"I was most impressed with Goldfish Street and Hong Lok Street in Mongkok East station," said Cheung Kin-yip, an artist participating in this project, "so I featured these two streets in the sixth car to represent this station."

Displayed on the train's exterior are the words "East Rail Line," written in big white capital letters and Chinese characters against a colorful background.

Wong Ting-fung, a local artist responsible for designing the train's exterior, said he was inspired by the colors of the stations.

Inspired by the Greek goddess of victory inscribed on the Tokyo Olympics medals, Olympic bronze medallist and cyclist Sarah Lee drew a hot air balloon in the carriage representing Fo Tan station.

Students from primary and secondary schools were also invited to contribute.

A primary five student from Sun Fong Chung Primary School said he was "excited" to have his illustration in the train because many people would view it. Another student from Jockey Club Sports and Arts Secondary School also felt a sense of accomplishment.

Cantopop singer Hins Cheung King-hin attended the opening ceremony yesterday and appreciated the design of the train.