Hong Kong

Main article: Hong Kong

Further information: Shenzhen

Geography

Hong Kong is a special part of China on the country's southern coast. It has three main parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Many people live there, making it one of the most crowded places in the world.

History

Hong Kong started as small fishing villages. It became part of the British Empire after the Qing dynasty lost a war in the 1840s. The United Kingdom controlled Hong Kong until 1997, when it was returned to China. Today, Hong Kong follows the idea of one country, two systems, keeping its own rules separate from mainland China.

Economy and Culture

Hong Kong is a big financial centre and commercial port. It is one of the world's most visited cities and has some very tall buildings. Even with its wealth, Hong Kong has problems with expensive housing and income inequality.

Quality of Life

Hong Kong has a very high standard of living. It has an excellent public transport system and people live longer than anywhere else in the world. Its Human Development Index shows it is one of the best places to live.

Etymology

The name "Hong Kong" started as a small inlet between Aberdeen Island and the southern coast of Hong Kong Island. It comes from the Cantonese phrase hēung góng, meaning "fragrant harbour" or "incense harbour". The word "fragrant" might describe the sweet taste of freshwater from the Pearl River or the smell from nearby incense factories.

By 1810, the name Hong Kong was commonly used. Until 1926, it was often written as one word, Hongkong. Some old companies still use this spelling, like Hongkong Land, Hongkong Electric Company, Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC).

History

Main article: History of Hong Kong

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Hong Kong history.

Prehistory and Imperial China

The earliest known human traces in what is now called Hong Kong are dated by some to 35,000-39,000 years ago during the Paleolithic period. The claim is based on an archaeological investigation in Wong Tei Tung in the Sai Kung Peninsula in 2003. The archaeological works revealed knapped stone tools from deposits dated by optical luminescence dating.

During the Middle Neolithic period, about 6,000 years ago, the region had been widely occupied by humans. Neolithic to Bronze Age Hong Kong settlers were semi-coastal people. Early inhabitants are believed to have been Austronesians in the Middle Neolithic period, and later the Yue people. As hinted by the archaeological works in Sha Ha, Sai Kung, rice cultivation had been introduced since the Late Neolithic period. Bronze Age Hong Kong featured coarse pottery, hard pottery, quartz and stone jewelry, as well as small bronze implements.

The Qin dynasty incorporated the Hong Kong area into China for the first time in 214 BCE, after conquering the indigenous Baiyue. The region was consolidated under the Nanyue kingdom (a predecessor state of Vietnam) after the Qin collapse, and it was recaptured by China after the Han conquest. During the Mongol conquest of China in the 13th century, the southern Song court was briefly located in modern-day Kowloon City (the Sung Wong Toi site) before its final defeat in the 1279 Battle of Yamen by the Yuan dynasty. By the end of the Yuan dynasty, seven large families had settled in the region and owned most of the land. Settlers from nearby provinces migrated to Kowloon throughout the Ming dynasty.

The earliest known European visitor was Portuguese explorer Jorge Álvares, who arrived in 1513. Portuguese merchants established a trading post called Tamão in Hong Kong waters and began regular trade with southern China. Although the traders were expelled after military clashes in the 1520s, Portuguese-Chinese trade relations were re-established by 1549. Portugal acquired a permanent lease for Macau in 1887.

After the Qing conquest, maritime trade was banned under the Haijin policies. From 1661 to 1683, the population of most of the area that forms present-day Hong Kong was cleared under the Great Clearance, turning the region into a wasteland. The Kangxi Emperor lifted the maritime trade prohibition, allowing foreigners to enter Chinese ports in 1684. Qing authorities established the Canton System in 1757 to regulate trade more strictly, restricting non-Russian ships to the port of Canton. Although European demand for Chinese commodities like tea, silk, and porcelain was high, Chinese interest in European manufactured goods was insignificant, so that Chinese goods could only be bought with precious metals. To reduce the trade imbalance, the British sold large amounts of Indian opium to China. Faced with a drug crisis, Qing officials pursued ever more aggressive actions to halt the opium trade.

British colony

Main article: British Hong Kong

In 1839, the Daoguang Emperor rejected proposals to legalise and tax opium and ordered imperial commissioner Lin Zexu to eradicate the opium trade. The commissioner destroyed opium stockpiles and halted all foreign trade, triggering a British military response and the First Opium War. The Qing surrendered early in the war and ceded Hong Kong Island in the Convention of Chuenpi, signed by Charles Elliot and Qishan. British forces began controlling Hong Kong shortly after the signing of the convention, on 26 January 1841. However, both countries were dissatisfied and did not ratify the agreement. After more than a year of further hostilities, Hong Kong Island was formally ceded to the United Kingdom in the 1842 Treaty of Nanking.

Administrative infrastructure was quickly built by early 1842, but piracy, disease, and hostile Qing policies initially prevented the government from attracting commerce. Conditions on the island improved during the Taiping Rebellion in the 1850s, when many Chinese refugees, including wealthy merchants, fled mainland turbulence and settled in the colony. Further tensions between the British and Qing over the opium trade escalated into the Second Opium War. The Qing were again defeated and forced to give up Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island in the Convention of Peking. By the end of this war, Hong Kong had evolved from a transient colonial outpost into a major entrepôt. Rapid economic improvement during the 1850s attracted foreign investment, as potential stakeholders became more confident in Hong Kong's future.

The colony was further expanded in 1898 when the United Kingdom obtained a 99-year lease of the New Territories. The University of Hong Kong was established in 1911 as the territory's first institution of higher education. Kai Tak Airport began operation in 1924, and the colony avoided a prolonged economic downturn after the 1925–26 Canton–Hong Kong strike. At the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, Governor Geoffry Northcote declared Hong Kong a neutral zone to safeguard its status as a free port. The colonial government prepared for a possible attack, evacuating all British women and children in 1940. The Imperial Japanese Army attacked Hong Kong on 8 December 1941, the same morning as its attack on Pearl Harbor. Hong Kong was occupied by Japan for almost four years before the British resumed control on 30 August 1945.

Its population rebounded quickly after the war, as skilled Chinese migrants fled from the Chinese Civil War and more refugees crossed the border when the Chinese Communist Party took control of mainland China in 1949. Hong Kong became the first of the Four Asian Tiger economies to industrialise during the 1950s. With a rapidly increasing population, the colonial government attempted reforms to improve infrastructure and public services. The public-housing estate programme, Independent Commission Against Corruption, and Mass Transit Railway were all established during the post-war decades to provide safer housing, integrity in the civil service, and more reliable transportation.

Nevertheless, widespread public discontent led to multiple protests from the 1950s to 1980s, including pro-Republic of China and pro-Chinese Communist Party demonstrations.

Although the territory's manufacturing competitiveness gradually declined due to rising labour and property costs, it transitioned to a service-based economy. By the early 1990s, Hong Kong had established itself as a global financial centre and shipping hub.

Chinese special administrative region

Further information: Handover of Hong Kong

The colony faced an uncertain future as the end of the New Territories lease approached, and Governor Murray MacLehose raised the question of Hong Kong's status with Deng Xiaoping in 1979. Diplomatic negotiations with China resulted in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, in which the United Kingdom agreed to the handover of the colony in 1997, and China would guarantee Hong Kong's economic and political systems for 50 years after the handover. The impending handover triggered a wave of mass emigration as residents feared an erosion of civil rights, the rule of law, and quality of life. Over half a million people left the territory during the peak migration period, from 1987 to 1996. The Legislative Council became a fully elected legislature for the first time in 1995. It extensively expanded its functions and organisations throughout the last years of the colonial rule. The handover of Hong Kong to China was at midnight on 1 July 1997, after 156 years of British rule.

Immediately after the handover, Hong Kong was severely affected by several crises. The Hong Kong government was forced to use substantial foreign exchange reserves to maintain the Hong Kong dollar's currency peg during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, and the recovery from this was muted by an H5N1 avian-flu outbreak and a housing surplus. This was followed by the 2003 SARS epidemic, during which the territory experienced its most serious economic downturn.

Chinese communists portrayed the return of Hong Kong as a key moment in the PRC's rise to great power status.^: 51 

Political debates after the handover have centred around the region's democratic development and the Chinese central government's adherence to the "one country, two systems" principle.

In terms of international connectedness, as of 2024, the city was one of eight worldwide that was classified as an "Alpha+" city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of Hong Kong, Politics of Hong Kong, Elections in Hong Kong, and Separation of powers in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a special part of China with its own government. It handles its own laws, money, and daily life. Leaders in Hong Kong are chosen by special groups, not by everyone voting equally. This system began when Hong Kong joined back with China and still continues today.

Hong Kong’s government has three main parts: leaders who make decisions, a group that creates laws, and courts that explain what the laws mean. The leader, called the Chief Executive, has important powers to guide Hong Kong. Some people in Hong Kong vote for parts of their government, but many positions are chosen by special groups or by leaders from China. The way Hong Kong is governed has changed over time, with China having more control, especially after new rules were added for safety.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Hong Kong

See also: Land reclamation in Hong Kong and Environment of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is on the southern coast of China, near the city of Shenzhen. It has Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, Lantau Island, and many small islands. The land is mostly hilly or mountainous, with very little flat space.

Hong Kong has a warm, wet climate. Summers are hot and rainy, and winters are mild and dry. Typhoons can bring strong winds and rain, especially in summer. The area gets lots of sunshine and almost no snow.

Demographics

Hong Kong is very crowded, with over 7 million people living in a small area of 1,114 square kilometers. Most people in Hong Kong are Han Chinese, including groups such as the Taishanese, Teochew, Hakka, and Cantonese peoples. There are also smaller groups of Filipinos, Indonesians, and South Asians, many of whom are workers visiting for a short time.

The city has many different religions, with many people following Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, along with Christianity and Islam. Hong Kong has a long life expectancy and a public healthcare system that helps pay for most medical costs. However, there is a gap between people with high incomes and those with low incomes in the city.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Hong Kong and Tourism in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a very important place for money and business around the world. It has a market economy that focuses on services. It has low taxes and the government does not get involved much.

Hong Kong is the 37th biggest economy in the world. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is one of the biggest in the world.

Tourism is very important to Hong Kong. Before 2020, it was a very popular place for tourists to visit. Famous places include Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, and The Big Buddha. Luxury hotels and big event places help make Hong Kong a key spot for international trade and tourism.

Infrastructure

Transport

Main article: Transport in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a very good and smart transport system. Most people use public transport for their daily trips. The Octopus card, a special contactless smart payment card, is used on trains, trams, buses, and ferries. It can also be used in many shops. Other payment methods like Apple Pay, AliPay, Mastercard, and Visa are also available.

The Peak Tram has been running since 1888, taking people between Central and Victoria Peak. The Central and Western District has many escalators and moving pavements, including the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, the Mid-Levels escalator system. The Hong Kong Tramways tram network operates on Hong Kong Island, with a branch to Happy Valley. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) connects many stations and serves millions of people every day.

Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport. Over 100 airlines fly from here, including Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong's flag carrier. The Port of Hong Kong is one of the busiest in the world.

Utilities

Main articles: Energy in Hong Kong, Electricity sector in Hong Kong, and Water supply and sanitation in Hong Kong

Hong Kong makes most of its electricity locally, mainly from coal and petroleum. The Dong River in Guangdong supplies most of the city's water, with some coming from local rainwater. Most toilets in built-up areas use seawater for flushing. Broadband Internet is very common, and mobile phones are widely used.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Hong Kong

See also: Cantonese culture

Hong Kong culture mixes Eastern and Western traditions. It combines Chinese values, like family and education, with Western ideas such as economic freedom and the rule of law. Over time, Hong Kong has created its own special identity.

The city’s culture includes strong family ties and respect for elders. Many families live together, and traditions like feng shui guide building designs. Hong Kong’s food is mainly Cantonese, with dishes like rice, dim sum, and fresh seafood. The city also enjoys Western-style cafes and international foods.

Cuisine

Hong Kong’s food comes from Cantonese traditions. Rice is a staple, often served plain with other dishes. Markets sell live poultry and seafood, showing the importance of freshness. Meals can include breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and a late-night snack called siu yeh. Popular dishes include congee, cha siu bao, and mango pudding. Hong Kong-style cafes, known as cha chaan teng, offer items like macaroni soup and milk tea.

Language

Main article: Languages of Hong Kong

Most people in Hong Kong speak Cantonese, a Chinese language from the Guangzhou area. English is also an official language, though many people learn it in school. Some also speak Mandarin, especially in business. Hong Kong uses traditional Chinese characters in writing.

Cinema

Main article: Cinema of Hong Kong

Hong Kong became famous for movies in the 1940s. By the 1960s, films like The World of Suzie Wong were popular worldwide. Actors like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan made Hong Kong films famous for martial arts and action. Over the years, Hong Kong has created many loved movies in many genres.

Music

Main article: Music of Hong Kong

Cantopop, a popular music style mixing Cantonese singing with Western pop, began in the 1970s. Famous artists include Sam Hui and Anita Mui. The city also has a strong classical music scene, with orchestras like the Hong Kong Philharmonic performing regularly.

Galleries and museums

Hong Kong has many museums and art spaces. The West Kowloon Cultural District includes big museums like M+, which shows modern and contemporary art. Other museums cover topics like history, science, and Chinese art. The city also has many galleries, especially in Central and Wong Chuk Hang.

Sport

Main article: Sport in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has hosted many international sports events, such as the AFC Asian Cup. The city has its own teams in global competitions and has won Olympic medals. Popular sports include football, rugby, and dragon boat racing. The Hong Kong Jockey Club helps support sports.

Entertainment and leisure

Hong Kong offers lively nightlife, especially in Central, with many bars and clubs. The city has two major theme parks: Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park. Large venues like Kai Tak Sports Park and Hong Kong Stadium host big events, concerts, and exhibitions.

Spectator sports

Badminton is very popular in Hong Kong. The city has produced many great players, including Tang Chun-man and Tse Ying-suet, who won a gold medal at the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships. Another top player is Ng Ka-long Angus, who is one of the best in the world.

Basketball is also widely enjoyed. The city has a strong league called the A1 Division, and teams like Hong Kong Eastern have won many titles. Hong Kong hosts big international basketball events and has a new arena called Kai Tak Arena for these games.

Cricket has been played in Hong Kong since the 1800s. The national team has achieved successes, including a win against Bangladesh in the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.

Dragon boat racing is a traditional sport enjoyed during festivals and is now popular worldwide, with Hong Kong hosting major international races every year since 1976.

Fencing has grown from a small activity to one of Hong Kong's best sports. Players like Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong have won Olympic gold medals, inspiring many more people to take up fencing.

Football (soccer) is very popular, with a professional league and big stadiums like Kai Tak Stadium, which opened in 2025. This stadium hosts important matches and international events.

Golf is another popular sport, with many courses and international tournaments held in Hong Kong each year, including LIV Golf Hong Kong.

Horse racing is the most watched sport in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Jockey Club runs many races and brings in a lot of money for the city through betting.

Lacrosse is growing in popularity, with Hong Kong teams competing in international tournaments.

Rugby union is also popular, especially the sevens version. Hong Kong hosts the famous Hong Kong Sevens tournament and has a strong national team.

Sailing thrives in Hong Kong's waters, with many clubs and races, including the Around the Island Race.

Table tennis is another strong sport in Hong Kong, with many players competing internationally and world-class training centers available.

Education

Main article: Education in Hong Kong

Education in Hong Kong is managed by the Hong Kong Education Bureau. Children go to school from age 6 until about age 18. At the end of school, students take an important exam. If they do well, they can earn the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education.

Hong Kong schools are of high quality. Students often do very well in subjects like mathematics, reading, and science. Many schools offer special programs, such as the International Baccalaureate, GCE A-level, IGCSEs, and Advanced Placement.

Hong Kong has twelve universities. The University of Hong Kong is the first, founded in 1911. Other well-known universities include the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. These universities have strong programs and are respected around the world.

Healthcare

Main article: Health in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is known for having a very healthy population. This is because of good health education, strong health services, and a good healthcare system. People in Hong Kong live long lives, with the highest life expectancy in the world at 85.9 years. Very few babies do not survive their first year.

Healthcare in Hong Kong has both public and private options. Most people use the public system, which is supported by the government to keep costs low. This system has many hospitals and clinics across the region, managed by the Hospital Authority. There are also private hospitals that offer faster care for those who prefer it. The University of Hong Kong is one of the top medical schools in the world.

Media

Main article: Media of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has many newspapers, mostly in Chinese. One famous English newspaper is the South China Morning Post. Other popular Chinese newspapers are Ming Pao and Oriental Daily News.

Hong Kong has four main free TV channels, with TVB being the most watched. There are also paid TV services and several radio stations for locals.