Hong Kong
About the Country
The population as of mid-1994 was 6,061,400, almost 95 per cent of which is Chinese. Chinese and English are the official languages. Cantonese is the most widely spoken Chinese dialect, though Mandarin, Shanghainese and other Chinese dialects are also spoken. Many people, especially in shops, hotels, and service industries, speak English.

History

Thanks to the two Opium Wars, Hong Kong Island was ceded by the Chinese to the British under the Nanking Treaty of 1842, confirming the occupation that had taken place during the first Opium War in 1839.

An additional 3.75 kilometres of Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island was ceded under the First Convention of Peking in 1860 following the second Opium War in 1856.

Thirty-eight years later, to match the territorial acquisitions of its rival trading nations on the China coast and to secure better defence of the territory, Britain sought and obtained a 99-year lease of the New Territories on the mainland and the 235 islands.

From the 1840s to the 1950s, apart from Japanese occupation between 1941 and 1945, Hong Kong served as a staging post and trans-shipping hub for trade between China and the Western world.

Following the Korean War and the US embargo on the export of goods to China, much of this trade was cut off, so Hong Kong turned to manufacturing and exporting, while also developing as a financial centre. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that Hong Kong became a sophisticated entity in world terms.

The Chinese obsession for education meant families saved to send at least one of their children abroad for Western-style education. These new graduates came flooding  home bringing with them Western know-how which they mixed with Chinese pragmatism and Hong Kong commercial drive to turn the city into one of the world's great commercial centres.
After the changeover

As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy with no change in its lifestyle. It is free to continue its own political, social and economic systems. And for the visitor, that means no change.

HK$ remains as a separate, internationally-recognised currency linked to the US$. Visa requirements for visitors remain as they were under British sovereignty. Laws and the judicial system as practised before July 1997 remain in force. Security is maintained by the same local police force that has made Hong Kong one of the safest cities in the world. Border and immigration control from the rest of China are maintained. English remains as an official language and English signage is maintained.

Sights

Hong Kong's attractions include Victoria Peak for spectacular views; Happy Valley located between Wanchai, (home of Hong Kong's richest racecourse), and Causeway Bay, (one of the busiest areas of Hong Kong by day and night).

Aberdeen, once a quiet fishing village, is now a thriving town best known for its magnificent floating restaurants, excellent seafood and water-based population.

Ocean Park is one of South-East Asia's largest leisure complexes and nearby is Middle Kingdom and Water World.

Repulse Bay, on the south side of Hong Kong Island, has accessible beaches that are very popular in summer. Stanley is famed for its open-air market and fabulous designer-wear bargains.

Catch the Star Ferry across from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon where you will find theHong Kong Cultural Centre/Museum of Art, the largest venue for all the performing arts.

Kowloon's other attractions include Nathan Road, known as the 'Golden Mile'; Kowloon Park; and numerous markets including Temple Street Night Market, the Jade Market, the Ladies' Market in Mong Kok, and the Bird Market. Further out, Lok Ma Chau Lookout offers excellent views across to mainland China.

A fascinating day trip is a visit to the New Territories which are more traditional and rural. There you can see typical Chinese markets, the 10,000 Buddha Monastery, and Shatin which has Hong Kong's second racecourse.

Kam Tin Walled Village was built in the 1600s and is a traditional village still inhabited by descendants of the original Tang clan. It is also possible to do a day tour across the border into China.

Several of Hong Kong's outlying islands are worth a visit. These include Peng Chau and Cheung Chau which are renowned for their fishing villages; Lantau with its monastery and the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha; and Lamma, which is popular with locals for its seafood restaurants and beaches.

Facts
  • Area:1084 sq km (423 sq mi)
  • Population: 6.6 million
  • People: 98% Chinese, 1.5% European
  • Province: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
  • Time Zone: GMT/UTC plus eight hours

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