Jaunt
Jaunt
Hong Kong
Hong Kong as we know it
today was born when China’s
Qing dynasty government was
defeated in the First Opium War
in 1842, when it ceded Hong
Kong Island to Britain. Within
60 years, Kowloon, the New
Territories and 235 Outlying
Islands were also leased to
Britain. However, the history
of the more than 1100 square
kilometres that Hong Kong now
occupies predates the events
of the Qing dynasty by more
than a thousand years. And, as
you explore the city’s colourful
heritage, you’ll discover stories
of powerful clans, marauding
pirates and European traders.
From its earliest days as a British
colony, Hong Kong served as
a centre of international trade.
The arrival of immigrants in
large numbers helped launch
a new role for Hong Kong as a
major manufacturing hub. It also
brought economically stimulating
energy and industry to the city’s
character. In recent decades, as
the economy of Mainland China
has undergone a process of
opening up, Hong Kong has
transformed yet again – this time
into a service-based economy as
well as an important gateway to
the world’s largest market.
Timeline
700 BC
Aboriginal fishing communities establish
floating communities.
Early 1800s
British merchants trade opium for
Chinese silks, silver, spices and tea.
1860
Republic of China on 1 July 1997.
This arrangement allows the
city to enjoy a high degree of
autonomy, including retaining its
capitalist system, independent
judiciary and rule of law, free
trade and freedom of speech. Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters
Island are ceded to Britain.
A look at the city’s history could
give a strong impression that
change is the only constant
here. Experience that spirit and
Hong Kong’s story yourself by
exploring the city’s rich culture.
The arrival of immigrants in
large numbers helped launch
a new role for Hong Kong as a
major manufacturing hub. It also
brought economically stimulating
energy and industry to the city’s
character. In recent decades,
as the economy of Mainland
China has undergone a process
of opening up, Hong Kong has
transformed yet again – this time
into a service-based economy as
well as an important gateway to
the world’s largest market. Immigrants from China create booming
textile and light manufacturing
industries; ‘Made in Hong Kong’ goods
are exported all over the world.
1898
The New Territories are leased to Britain
for 99 years; the colony becomes an
important trading port.
1950 – 1970s
1980s
Hong Kong becomes an international
financial centre and joins the world’s top
10 economies.
1984
China and Britain sign the Sino–British Joint
Declaration on the future of Hong Kong.
1997 (July 1)
Hong Kong becomes a Special
Administrative Region of the People’s
Republic of China.
1998
Hong Kong International Airport opens
and is named one of the Top Ten
Construction Achievements in the 20th
Century by the Construction Industry
Manufacturers Association (CIMA).
2008
Hong Kong co-hosts the equestrian
events of the 2008 Olympic and
Paralympic Games.
2011
A photo of old Hong Kong (Photo by Stephen Davies)
Cheung Chau Bun Festival, Tai O Deities
Parade, Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance,
Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the Hong Kong
Chiu Chow Community were all included
in China’s third national list of intangible
culture under a UNESCO convention.
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