Hong Kong (香港)

1. Introduction

Hong Kong (English: Hong Kong; abbreviation: HK/HKG), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (English: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; abbreviation: HKSAR or Hong Kong SAR), commonly referred to as "Hong Kong" and poetically known as "Fragrant Harbour," is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China. It is a major city in the Pearl River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Greater China region, the Asia-Pacific region, and a global city. Its territory comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon (including New Kowloon), and the "New Territories," located on the eastern side of the Pearl River Estuary in Guangdong Province. Hong Kong lies on the northern coast of the South China Sea, bordered to the north by the Shenzhen River adjacent to Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, and to the west across the Pearl River facing Macao and Zhuhai. Situated at the southern tip of the Chinese mainland, it is centrally located along the western Pacific Rim and serves as a crucial hub for Pacific and Indian Ocean shipping. Hong Kong is one of the few "free port cities" in the world, with the entire region designated as an open area, unlike most other free ports globally, which are typically "free port zones" limited to areas near the port. Since ancient times, Hong Kong has been a major trade route connecting southern China and Southeast Asia with the rest of the world, and entrepôt trade has long been a source of livelihood for its residents. It is one of the Asia-Pacific region's key centers for trade, transportation, and finance, and has gradually evolved into an important commercial and financial hub in Asia, an international business nexus, a global financial center, a vital service hub linking mainland China with the world, an international metropolis, and a center for international shipping and trade.

Hong Kong boasts an excellent judicial system, a clean social ethos, efficient regulatory frameworks, and an open market. The government is committed to maintaining a favorable business environment, free and open trade, low tax rates, a simple tax system, the rule of law, and judicial independence. Known as the "Pearl of the Orient," Hong Kong is an international metropolis, and the "Hong Kong Brand" is a key promotional initiative by the Hong Kong government to position the city as "Asia's World City." Hong Kong has consistently been ranked as one of the world's safest, most economically developed, prosperous, competitive, and longest-living cities, earning its place as one of the "Four Asian Tigers." The Heritage Foundation ranked Hong Kong as the world's freest economy from 1995 to 2019, with the city placing second after Singapore in 2020. In the GaWC's World Cities ranking, Hong Kong was classified as an "Alpha+" city in 2020, following only London and New York.

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2. History

3.1 Pre-Qin Period

Humans have inhabited Hong Kong for approximately 7,000 years. The earliest Neolithic culture discovered in Hong Kong is the "Tai Wan Culture," distributed across locations such as Chung Hom Wan, Tai Wan and Sham Wan on Lamma Island, Sai Wan on Cheung Chau, and Hap Mun Bay, Sham Wan, and Fu Tei Wan on Lantau Island. The pottery includes round-bottomed vessels and ring-footed vessels, primarily made of sand-tempered clay. Stone tools include bark-cloth beaters, adzes, and perforated stone knives. By 4000 BCE, humans were already present in Hong Kong.

Around 1500 BCE, during the Xia and Shang dynasties, ancient Baiyue people began migrating from Guangdong to Hong Kong. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Hong Kong fell within the territory of the Baiyue tribes. These were southern tribes entirely different from the Central Plains tribes, comprising many groups skilled in hunting and sailing, who worshipped a bird-shaped wind deity as their totem. They continuously migrated southward and often set sail on long voyages from Hong Kong.

3.2 Ancient Period

In 214 BCE (the 33rd year of Qin Shi Huang), the Qin dynasty conquered the Baiyue and established the Nanhai, Guilin, and Xiang commanderies in the Lingnan region, relocating 500,000 people to develop the area. Hong Kong was thus incorporated into Chinese territory. At that time, Hong Kong belonged to Panyu County in Nanhai Commandery and has remained under administrative jurisdiction ever since. In 265 CE (the first year of Ganlu), Hong Kong was reassigned to Boluo County in Nanhai Commandery. Between 420 and 478 CE (from the second year of Yuanxi to the second year of Shengming), the Indian monk Venerable Beidu (Cup Ferry) resided in Tuen Mun, later known as Beidu Mountain (present-day Castle Peak).

Before 756 CE (the first year of Zhide), Hong Kong was under the jurisdiction of Panyu County and Bao'an County, and was later transferred to Dongguan County until 1572 (the sixth year of Longqing).

In 1197 (the third year of Qingyuan), the Song dynasty government banned the private boiling of salt, leading to a salt workers' uprising on Lantau Island, which was later suppressed by Song troops.

During the Xining to Yuanfeng reigns of Emperor Shenzong of Song, the jinshi Deng Fuxie (from Jishui, Jiangxi) moved to Cantian (Kam Tin), becoming the head of the five major clans in the New Territories: the Deng, Hou, Liao, Man, and Pang clans. In April 1277 (the second year of Jingyan), Emperor Duanzong of Song and his entourage fled to the area of Guanfuchang (south of present-day Kowloon City) and Qianwan (present-day Tsuen Wan), where they temporarily established an imperial residence. During the Song and Yuan periods, many clans migrated from the Central Plains to the New Territories and outlying islands.

3.3 Medieval Period

In 1370 (the third year of Hongwu), the Ming dynasty established the Guanfu Inspection Office, roughly equivalent to the present-day Hong Kong area.

In 1521 (the 16th year of Zhengde), Portuguese ships forcibly entered Hong Kong waters, attempting to proceed to Guangzhou for trade, and engaged in fierce clashes with the Ming navy near Tuen Mun.

According to the Xin'an County Annals, in 1668 (the seventh year of Kangxi), 21 beacon towers were established along the borders of Xin'an County, including the Kowloon Beacon Tower.

During the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty, several salt fields in Hong Kong were converted into paddy fields. The salt industry, pearl diving, and incense tree cultivation declined, while fishing and agriculture revived. The Xin'an County Annals compiled during the Jiaqing reign noted that Stanley was guarded by troops. As China's southern gateway and a vital communication route, Hong Kong held significant strategic importance for defense.

In 1810 (the 15th year of Jiaqing), Cheung Po Tsai surrendered to the Qing government with 270 Chinese junks and 1,200 cannons. In 1817 (the 22nd year of Jiaqing), the Qing built a guard post and walls at Tung Chung Bay on Lantau Island. At that time, Hong Kong was under the jurisdiction of Nantou, historically part of Xin'an County, Guangdong Province. By 1818 (the 23rd year of Jiaqing), the population of Xin'an County reached 239,112, with 366 new villages added, 345 of which were Hakka villages.

3.4 Pre-WWII British Hong Kong Period

In 1816, the Amherst Embassy visited China and stopped in Hong Kong. Upon returning to Britain, a historian in the embassy remarked: "Considering the convenience for vessels entering and leaving and the surrounding landforms, this harbor is an unparalleled fine port in the world."

On January 26, 1841, British naval forces landed at Possession Point and raised the flag, formally establishing Hong Kong as British territory. In April, British Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston referred to Hong Kong Island as "a barren island with hardly a house upon it." The population of Hong Kong at that time was 7,450 (including 2,000 boat dwellers). On June 7, Charles Elliot declared Hong Kong a free port.

In 1842, following the Opium War, Britain occupied Hong Kong Island.

In January 1843, British Foreign Secretary Lord Aberdeen stated: "Hong Kong should be a free port, therefore port duties should be as light as possible. The main source of revenue to be expected is from land." On April 5, Queen Victoria issued the Hong Kong Charter, proclaiming the establishment of the "Colony of Hong Kong." On April 6, Queen Victoria issued the Royal Instructions to Sir Henry Pottinger. On June 26, Hong Kong officially became a British colony.

In his Autobiography, Kang Youwei noted that during his visit to Hong Kong in 1879, he "saw the grandeur of Western buildings, the cleanliness of the roads, and the strictness of the police, and thus began to understand that Westerners governed their countries with proper systems; they could not be viewed as the ancient barbarians. Subsequently, I reread books like Illustrated Treatise on the Maritime Kingdoms and A Short Account of the Maritime Circuit, purchased a world map, and gradually collected books on Western learning, laying the foundation for studying Western knowledge."

After the end of the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895, Germany, France, and Russia demanded leaseholds; tensions subsequently rose. The British believed that to defend Hong Kong, control over adjacent land was necessary. According to the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory signed in Beijing on June 9, 1898, China agreed to lease the New Territories area north of Boundary Street in Kowloon up to the Shenzhen River, along with 235 islands, to Britain for 99 years. In 1898, Britain forcibly leased the large area of land north of Boundary Street and south of the Shenzhen River on the Kowloon Peninsula and nearby islands. All land in the New Territories was Crown land, with indigenous inhabitants holding land grants and prohibited from changing land use without authorization. The government could resume indigenous land for public purposes.

Although British residents in Hong Kong repeatedly urged the establishment of self-government, the British government consistently refused, stating that the Chinese majority in Hong Kong would not be ruled by a minority of Europeans.

In 1911, through the efforts of Sir Frederick Lugard, the University of Hong Kong was founded, successively establishing faculties of Arts, Engineering, and Medicine.

At that time, Britain held the largest share of foreign investment interests in China, making it a primary target of the anti-foreign movement, though anti-Japanese sentiment soon replaced it.

On June 14, 1938, the China Defence League was established at Soong Ching-ling's residence in Hong Kong.

3.5 Japanese Occupation Period

In January 1941, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill wrote to the Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in the Far East: "If war breaks out between Britain and Japan, there is not the slightest chance of holding Hong Kong!" On December 8, Mao Zedong attended a meeting of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, stating that work arrangements should strengthen efforts with overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia, and Liao Chengzhi should boldly establish relations with Britain in Hong Kong. On December 11, Major-General Christopher Maltby, Commander of British Forces in Hong Kong, ordered the abandonment of Kowloon and withdrawal to hold Hong Kong Island. At 19:00 on December 25, Hong Kong Governor Sir Mark Young and Major-General Maltby surrendered unconditionally to the Japanese forces at the Peninsula Hotel. At 21:45, Tokyo announced the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, marking the beginning of the Japanese occupation period.

In January 1942, the Hong Kong-Kowloon Independent Brigade was established.

3.6 Post-WWII British Hong Kong Period

On May 15, 1947, the Xinhua News Agency Hong Kong Branch was established. On November 9, 1949, the Two Airlines Incident occurred, where employees of China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC) and Central Air Transport Corporation (CATC) in Hong Kong pledged allegiance to the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China.

A 1952 survey report showed that on average, out of every 1,000 Hong Kong Chinese households, 687 lived in one room, 120 lived in subdivided units, 23 lived on rooftops, and only 8 had proper housing. In 1952, following the outbreak of the Korean War, Western countries imposed an embargo on China, impacting Hong Kong's entrepôt trade.

In August 1954, Zhou Enlai proposed "promoting Sino-British relations and striving for peaceful cooperation": Hong Kong is China's, but the time was not yet ripe to resolve the Hong Kong issue. In April 1957, Zhou Enlai proposed the policy of maintaining Hong Kong's special status "for our use": "We will recover Hong Kong someday, and even Britain might think so. The mainland 'is carrying out socialist construction. Hong Kong can serve as a base for our economic contacts with foreign countries. We can attract foreign investment and earn foreign exchange through it.' Therefore, 'it is beneficial to maintain Hong Kong as a base.' 'We cannot treat Hong Kong the same as the mainland. The policy towards Hong Kong is different from that towards the mainland. If we copy [mainland policies], it will certainly not work. Because Hong Kong is still under British rule, it is a purely capitalist market. It cannot be socialized, nor should it be socialized. Hong Kong must operate entirely according to the capitalist system to survive and develop, which is advantageous for us. ... Hong Kong entrepreneurs are our friends; they practice capitalism, not imperialism. We have cooperated with the national bourgeoisie before, and we can still cooperate with Hong Kong entrepreneurs in the future. Compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao should not worry about their future. ... Some people do not yet trust us and have doubts about our policies. Let them wait and see, for ten or twenty years if necessary. We should not discriminate against them or blame them. ... To open up the situation, we must explain our policies clearly to the national bourgeoisie in Hong Kong, so that they can profit.'" Zhou Enlai repeatedly instructed: "Wherever possible, all regions should bear some responsibility for supplying Hong Kong and Macao; we cannot retreat. This position is becoming increasingly important; supplying Hong Kong and Macao is indeed a political task." Hong Kong is geographically and geologically part of China, and most of its water and food supplies depend on the mainland.

Before the mid-1960s, due to the continuous influx of immigrants, the government had to concentrate its efforts on addressing urgent issues such as housing, sanitation, education, and welfare.### 3.7 The Question of Hong Kong's Future After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the consistent position of the Chinese government has been: Hong Kong is Chinese territory; China does not recognize the three unequal treaties; and it advocates resolving the Hong Kong issue through negotiations at an appropriate time, maintaining the status quo temporarily before a resolution. On March 8, 1972, Huang Hua, the Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, sent a letter to the Chairman of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, opposing the inclusion of Hong Kong and Macau in the list of colonial territories to which the "Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples" applied.

The Sino-British Joint Declaration provided a framework enabling Hong Kong to preserve its unique economic system and way of life after becoming a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China on July 1, 1997. The agreement preserved the legal system familiar to Hong Kong people and the body of laws in use in Hong Kong, including common law. Furthermore, it allowed Hong Kong to continue to determine its own economic, financial, and trade policies and to continue participating in international organizations and trade agreements, such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. At the time, the British government was confident that the agreement provided the necessary guarantees for Hong Kong's future, enabling it to continue prospering and maintaining its unique role in the world as a major trade and financial center. The signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration stipulated that Hong Kong's way of life would remain unchanged for 50 years after 1997. Registered with the United Nations in both Chinese and English, the Sino-British Joint Declaration is widely regarded as a victory for peaceful diplomacy. Except for matters of defense and foreign affairs, Hong Kong would enjoy a high degree of autonomy, and China's socialist system and policies would not be practiced in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. On December 19, the heads of government of China and the United Kingdom formally signed the Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong in Beijing. On May 27, 1985, the Chinese and British governments exchanged instruments of ratification in Beijing, and the Sino-British Joint Declaration officially came into effect.

3.8 The Transition Period

On July 1, 1985, 59 members from mainland China and Hong Kong formed the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law Drafting Committee; on December 28, 180 people from Hong Kong formed the Basic Law Consultative Committee.

On April 4, 1990, the Third Session of the Seventh National People's Congress reviewed and adopted the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, as well as the designs for the regional flag and regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

On January 26, 1996, the Preparatory Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the National People's Congress was established in Beijing. On December 11, the First Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Election Committee elected the Provisional Legislative Council in Shenzhen.

3.9 Early Days of the Special Administrative Region

From midnight on June 30 to the early hours of July 1, 1997, the Hong Kong handover ceremony was held in the Grand Hall on the 5th floor of the new wing of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Chinese representatives and British representatives including Prince Charles and Tony Blair attended along with over 4,000 guests; the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China was proclaimed.

3.10 The 2010s

On September 23, 2018, the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link commenced operation. After its opening, it connected to China's over 25,000-kilometer high-speed railway network, becoming Hong Kong's second cross-border railway line after the Intercity Through Train (Kowloon-Canton Railway). At 9:00 AM on October 24, 2018, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, a large cross-sea channel connecting Hong Kong's Lantau Island, Macau, and Zhuhai in Guangdong, opened to traffic. It is currently the world's longest immersed tube tunnel and the longest bridge-tunnel combination sea-crossing highway.

In February 2019, the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" stated: "Strong support will be given to Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping, and trade center and an international aviation hub, to promote the development of finance, commerce and trade, logistics, professional services, and others towards high-end, high-value-added directions, and to build a more competitive international metropolis."

3.11 The 2020s

On the evening of May 21, 2020, the agenda of the Third Session of the 13th National People's Congress included reviewing the "Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Safeguard National Security." On May 28, the National People's Congress voted to pass the decision to enact the "Hong Kong National Security Law," with 2,878 votes in favor, 1 against, and 6 abstentions.

On June 4, 2020, Hong Kong's Sixth Legislative Council passed the National Anthem Bill in its third reading with 41 votes in favor and 1 against. The National Anthem Ordinance was officially gazetted and implemented on June 12.

On March 11, 2021, the Fourth Session of the 13th National People's Congress voted on the "Decision on Improving the Electoral System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Draft)." The Election Committee was expanded from 1,200 members across 4 sectors to 1,500 members across 5 sectors, responsible for nominating candidates for the Chief Executive and Legislative Council members, and for electing the Chief Executive-elect and some Legislative Council members. The decision was passed with a high vote of 2,895 in favor, 0 against, and 1 abstention.

On April 15, 2023, Xia Baolong attended and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of "National Security Education Day 2023," focusing on clarifying the dialectical relationship between freedom and regulation. He stated: "Anyone, regardless of political stance or beliefs, as long as they abide by the Hong Kong Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law, and the laws of the Special Administrative Region, can live, work, and study freely in Hong Kong, exercise their rights according to law, and go about their business with peace of mind," indicating the central government's genuine care for the freedoms of Hong Kong residents.

On December 18, 2023, during his duty visit in Beijing, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated that the legislative work for Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law would be completed in 2024. On January 30, 2024, Chief Executive John Lee announced the official commencement of public consultation on the Article 23 legislation, with the consultation period lasting until February 28, 2024.

On February 28, 2024, Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, concluded his seven-day visit to Hong Kong. Chief Executive John Lee, who accompanied Xia during the inspection, later met with the media. Regarding economic development, Lee stated that Xia emphasized three key points: First, affirming the work of the SAR government; Second, maintaining firm confidence in development, with Xia using facts and data to demonstrate Hong Kong's strong core competitiveness, describing Hong Kong's development prospects as "not something anyone can talk down"; Third, the central government's full support for Hong Kong's development, with Xia stating that the central government would successively introduce policies benefiting Hong Kong. Lee said Director Xia emphasized the central government's firm support for the SAR government to protect according to law: the well-being of Hong Kong SAR residents, property and investments within the Hong Kong SAR, and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, in accordance with the Basic Law, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

On March 7, 2024, the Chief Executive in Council decided to gazette the Safeguarding National Security Bill in the Hong Kong Government Gazette the following day and submit it to the Legislative Council for deliberation. On March 19, 2024, Hong Kong's Seventh Legislative Council unanimously passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. On March 22, 2024, then Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee signed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which officially came into effect on March 23, 2024, completing the legislative work for Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law.

3. Geography

4.1 Topography

The total area under Hong Kong's jurisdiction is 2,755.03 square kilometers, of which the land area is 1,105.6 square kilometers (Hong Kong Island 80.7 sq km, Kowloon 46.9 sq km, the New Territories and outlying islands 978 sq km, figures as of end-2014), and the water area is 1,650.64 square kilometers. Historically, the Hong Kong region can be divided into three parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.

Victoria Harbour is one of the world's three major natural deep-water harbors, alongside San Francisco in the United States and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The harbor is deep and wide, remaining ice-free year-round. The area between the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island is a rare natural deep-water harbor in the world, approximately 1.5 to 9.6 kilometers wide and 2 to 14.5 meters deep, capable of accommodating large vessels for free navigation and berthing, making it strategically very important.

4.2 Ecology

Historically, wildlife in Hong Kong included: leopards, tigers, badgers, otters, pangolins, wild cats, wild boars, crab-eating mongooses, salamanders, 200 species of butterflies, 32 species of snakes (including the Brahminy blind snake, white-lipped pit viper, Burmese python), golden threadfin bream, mullet, cotton fish, large yellow croaker, sea snakes, and kingfishers.

75% of Hong Kong's land is countryside, rich in natural ecology. By June 2006, Hong Kong had over 3,100 species or varieties of vascular plants, more than 50 species of terrestrial mammals breeding within its territory, and over a hundred species each of amphibians, reptiles, and birds, including many endemic to Hong Kong, such as Hong Kong Asarum, Hong Kong Croton, and Romer's tree frog. Hong Kong is located along the Asian bird migration route, serving as a stopover. The Mai Po Marshes in the northwestern New Territories host the largest number of migratory birds, and the Deep Bay wetlands have been designated as an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention since 1995. Endangered species such as the black-faced spoonbill, Christmas frigatebird, and spoon-billed sandpiper also pass through Hong Kong. Some rural areas are designated as Hong Kong Country Parks and Special Areas to protect the terrestrial natural environment; Marine Parks and Marine Reserves are also established to protect the marine natural ecology.

4.3 Climate

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, with autumn being moderately cool and warm; sometimes there are consecutive weeks of cloudy, overcast weather, which is hot and humid; strong typhoons are frequent. During the middle of the year, high pressure forms over the Pacific Ocean, and this summer monsoon blows towards the Eurasian continent, bringing a rainy and humid summer to Hong Kong. Summer and autumn are also typhoon seasons, sometimes causing floods and landslides; Hong Kong is frequently hit by tropical cyclones. In years influenced by the El Niño phenomenon, Hong Kong experiences fewer and later tropical cyclones than usual, but with more rainfall than usual; in years influenced by the La Niña phenomenon, Hong Kong experiences slightly more and earlier tropical cyclones than usual, with rainfall similar to previous years. December to February of the following year is winter, which is cool and dry, with occasional frost in highland areas.

Hong Kong Meteorological Data (average data collected from 1991 to 2020; extreme data collected from 1884 to 1939, and from 1947 to present)

Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year
----------------------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------|---------|---------|---------- Record high °C | 26.9 | 28.3 | 31.5 | 33.4 | 36.1 | 35.6 | 36.1 | 36.6 | 35.9 | 34.6 | 31.8 | 28.7 | 36.6
（°F） | 80.4 | 82.9 | 88.7 | 92.1 | 97 | 96.1 | 97 | 97.9 | 96.6 | 94.3 | 89.2 | 83.7 | 97.9
Average high °C | 18.7 | 19.4 | 21.9 | 25.6 | 28.8 | 30.7 | 31.6 | 31.3 | 30.5 | 28.1 | 24.5 | 20.4 | 26
（°F） | 65.7 | 66.9 | 71.4 | 78.1 | 83.8 | 87.3 | 88.9 | 88.3 | 86.9 | 82.6 | 76.1 | 68.7 | 78.8
Daily mean °C | 16.5 | 17.1 | 19.5 | 23 | 26.3 | 28.3 | 28.9 | 28.7 | 27.9 | 25.7 | 22.2 | 18.2 | 23.5
（°F） | 61.7 | 62.8 | 67.1 | 73.4 | 79.3 | 82.9 | 84 | 83.7 | 82.2 | 78.3 | 72 | 64.8 | 74.3
Average low °C | 14.6 | 15.3 | 17.6 | 21.1 | 24.5 | 26.5 | 26.9 | 26.7 | 26.1 | 23.9 | 20.3 | 16.2 | 21.6
（°F） | 58.3 | 59.5 | 63.7 | 70 | 76.1 | 79.7 | 80.4 | 80.1 | 79 | 75 | 68.5 | 61.2 | 70.9
Record low °C | 0 | 2.4 | 4.8 | 9.9 | 15.4 | 19.2 | 21.7 | 21.6 | 18.4 | 13.5 | 6.5 | 4.3 | 03 | 0
（°F） | -32 | -36.3 | -40.6 | -49.8 | -59.7 | -66.6 | -71.1 | -70.9 | -65.1 | -56.3 | -43.7 | -39.7 | -32
Average Rainfall Mm | 33.2 | 38.9 | 75.3 | 153 | 290.6 | 491.5 | 385.8 | 453.2 | 321.4 | 120.3 | 39.3 | 28.8 | 2,431.20 （Inches） | -1.31 | -1.53 | -2.96 | -6.02 | -11.44 | -19.35 | -15.19 | -17.84 | -12.65 | -4.74 | -1.55 | -1.13 | -95.72
Average Rainy Days（≥ 0.1 Mm） | 5.7 | 7.97 | 10.5 | 11.37 | 15.37 | 19.33 | 18.43 | 17.5 | 14.9 | 7.83 | 5.7 | 5.3 | 139.9
Average Relative Humidity（％） | 74 | 79 | 82 | 83 | 83 | 82 | 81 | 81 | 78 | 73 | 72 | 70 | 78
Monthly Sunshine Hours | 145.8 | 101.7 | 100 | 113.2 | 138.8 | 144.3 | 197.3 | 182.1 | 174.4 | 197.8 | 172.3 | 161.6 | 1,829.30 Percentage of Possible Sunshine | 43 | 32 | 27 | 30 | 34 | 36 | 48 | 46 | 47 | 55 | 52 | 48 | 41

4.4 Administrative Divisions

Hong Kong develops with very strict regional planning, particularly rigorous in new town planning. Hong Kong is divided into 18 districts, with 4 districts on Hong Kong Island, 5 in Kowloon, and 9 in the New Territories.

In addition to the 18 districts, since 2007, Hong Kong has leased the Hong Kong Port Area of the Shenzhen Bay Port from Shenzhen. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress authorized the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to exercise jurisdiction over the Hong Kong Port Area at the Shenzhen Bay Port in accordance with Hong Kong's legal system from the date the port commenced operations.

Furthermore, on January 3, 2017, officials from Hong Kong and Shenzhen signed the "Memorandum of Cooperation on Promoting Joint Development of the Lok Ma Chau Loop Area," formally confirming the Lok Ma Chau Loop Area as Hong Kong territory. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, covering 87 hectares and four times the size of the entire Hong Kong Science Park, is being developed there.

The 18 districts are as follows:

Hong Kong Island | West Kowloon | East Kowloon | East New Territories | West New Territories | Others ---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|-------- Central and Western District | Kowloon City District | Wong Tai Sin District | North District | Islands District | Waters
Eastern District | Sham Shui Po District | Kwun Tong District | Sai Kung District | Kwai Tsing District | Port Area
Southern District | Yau Tsim Mong District | | Sha Tin District | Tsuen Wan District | Loop Area
Wan Chai District | | | Tai Po District | Tuen Mun District |
| | | | Yuen Long District |

4.5 Architecture

Hong Kong's urban architecture is predominantly modernist, with a large number of skyscrapers distributed on both sides of Victoria Harbour. There are over 3,069 buildings exceeding 90 meters in height, making it the densest and widest skyline in the world. The view overlooking both sides of Victoria Harbour from Victoria Peak or gazing at Hong Kong Island from Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the world's three major nightscapes. Some commercial buildings and residences in Hong Kong are skyscrapers. Over half of the world's 100 tallest residential buildings are located in Hong Kong. On November 25, 1988, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre opened. In May 1990, the Bank of China Tower was completed in Admiralty.

In the past, skyscrapers were mainly concentrated along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island. After the closure of Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon in July 1998, height restrictions on buildings in the Kowloon Peninsula were significantly relaxed, leading to the completion of numerous skyscrapers. The International Commerce Centre in West Kowloon, completed in 2010 with a height of 484 meters, is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the 9th tallest in the world. In the New Territories, far from Hong Kong's urban areas, residential buildings commonly exceed 40 stories, many of which are public housing estates. In recent years, developers have focused on developing the New Territories, such as Tseung Kwan O, Sha Tin, and Yuen Long. The New Territories now resemble urban areas with numerous high-rise buildings, most exceeding 40 stories, including developments like Sunrise Canna and The Wings in Tseung Kwan O.

The concentration of buildings can easily lead to the creation of "wall-effect" buildings and the urban heat island effect. In 2000, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government initiated consultations and, in 2008, established height restrictions for buildings in their respective districts within the Outline Zoning Plans.

Many of Hong Kong's famous buildings include the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Headquarters Building, designed by Norman Foster and completed in 1985, which was the world's most expensive building at the time. The architectural design of Hong Kong International Airport is also his work.Ranking | Skyscraper | Height (m) --------|----------|----------- 1 | International Commerce Centre | 484
2 | Two International Finance Centre | 415.8
3 | Central Plaza | 374
4 | Bank of China Tower | 367.4
5 | The Center | 346
6 | Nina Tower (High Block) | 318.8
7 | One Island East | 308
8 | Cheung Kong Center | 282.9
9 | The Cullinan | 269
10 | 18 Hanoi Road | 261

Hong Kong's bridge construction technology ranks among the world's forefront. The Tsing Ma Bridge, connecting Tsing Yi Island and Ma Wan, is the world's longest road and rail suspension bridge. Nearby, the Kap Shui Mun Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge are respectively the longest road and rail cable-stayed bridge and the longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge. Additionally, there is the Stonecutters Bridge, which spans the Rambler Channel and connects Stonecutters Island with the southeast corner of Tsing Yi Island's Container Terminal 9. Its bridge towers were the world's first to employ a hybrid structure of stainless steel and concrete. These bridges are crucial for the development of Hong Kong's port logistics and serve as architectural landmarks.

Since the 1950s, the government has actively planned numerous construction projects, including the development of a large number of Hong Kong public housing estates and other supporting facilities. Concurrently, the government began developing Hong Kong's new towns in various districts of the New Territories. By 2007, nine new towns had been established, accommodating approximately 3.2 million people. Land reclamation in Hong Kong provided more usable land in urban areas, but the scale of reclamation was later significantly reduced due to opposition from conservationists and environmental protection efforts. Furthermore, after the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council in 1997, the SAR government began conducting reclamation projects outside Victoria Harbour.

Future land use in Hong Kong includes the West Kowloon Reclamation area and the former Kai Tak Airport land: the former will be developed into the West Kowloon Cultural District; the latter will be developed into the Kai Tak Development, integrating leisure, tourism, and sports. The Lantau Tomorrow Vision (originally the East Lantau Metropolis) and the Northern Metropolis have also become large-scale and controversial infrastructure development projects in recent years.

Ancient techniques withstand challenges, and the construction of skyscrapers still primarily relies on bamboo scaffolding.

4. Administrative Divisions

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is the head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (referred to as the Chief Executive) and also serves as the representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Executive Council, chaired by the Chief Executive, is the highest decision-making body of the government.

The first Chief Executive was Tung Chee-hwa, who was elected by the 400-member Hong Kong Special Administrative Region First Government Selection Committee appointed by the Central People's Government. He won the 1996 Chief Executive election with 320 votes and was appointed as the first Chief Executive by Chinese Premier Li Peng on December 16. In February 2002, Tung Chee-hwa received nominations from over 700 members of the 800-member Election Committee to participate in the 2002 Chief Executive election and was elected. He was appointed as the second Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji on March 7.

Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa implemented the Principal Officials Accountability System on July 1, 2002. In addition to the Chief Executive and the Executive Council, the SAR government consists of a three-tier structure: The first tier is the Secretaries, namely the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Financial Secretary, and the Secretary for Justice. Although included in the accountability system reform, the Secretary for Justice is responsible for legal affairs and, according to Hong Kong administrative conventions, is not considered an administrative official. The three Secretaries serve as the Chief Executive's chief advisors and are responsible for formulating the most important policies of the Hong Kong government. The sixth-term government established three Deputy Secretary positions to assist the Secretaries in their work. The second tier is the Policy Bureaus, which are responsible for formulating, coordinating, and reviewing policies in specific areas such as public health, transportation, and security, as well as overseeing their subordinate executive departments. Starting from July 1, 2007, the Policy Bureaus were reorganized, with the addition of the Development Bureau, the Innovation and Technology Bureau, and the restructuring of other bureaus, bringing the total number of Policy Bureaus to 13. The third tier is the Departments, which are the executive bodies responsible for implementing government policies, most of which are named as "Departments" or "Offices."

5. Economy

6.1 Economic Development

In 1868, the Chinese Merchants' Nam Pak Hong Guild was established. In 1913, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce was founded. By 1959, Hong Kong products accounted for 70% of export trade, surpassing re-exports. On November 22, 1960, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries was established. From the 1960s to the 1980s, Hong Kong's economy took off, becoming one of the "Four Asian Tigers." In 1979, Cheung Kong Holdings acquired a 22.4% stake in Hutchison Whampoa Group, marking the first time a Chinese-funded group took control of a British-owned enterprise in Hong Kong.

On July 7, 1980, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd. was registered and established, connecting with Tokyo, London, and New York. In the same year, Sir Y.K. Pao acquired the British-owned Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company.

In 1985, Sir Y.K. Pao gained control of the British-owned Wheelock and Company.

In 1987, Hong Kong's GDP per capita (PPP) surpassed that of the United Kingdom. By 1993, Hong Kong's GDP reached one-quarter of mainland China's total. Hong Kong's ranking in the world economy and trade jumped from 23rd in 1966 to 8th by the mid-1990s, with its re-export trade ranking first globally.

In 1988, Hong Kong's total trade volume rose to the top among the Four Asian Tigers, second only to Japan in Asia. By 1994, its total external trade exceeded HKD 2.4 trillion.

In February 2019, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council of the People's Republic of China issued the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area." In 2021, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences released the latest "China Urban Competitiveness Report," in which Hong Kong dropped one place in the comprehensive economic competitiveness ranking compared to the previous year but ranked first in sustainable competitiveness.

6.2 Economic Structure

Hong Kong has performed well through multiple financial shocks, maintaining a relatively high per capita income, economic growth, and fiscal flexibility.

According to IMF data from 2021, Hong Kong's GDP per capita (PPP) was USD 62,839, ranking 8th globally; at international exchange rates, it was USD 49,036, ranking 18th globally, behind Canada. The service sector accounts for the largest share of GDP across industries, with a figure of 92.7% in 2009. Within this, finance, insurance, real estate, and business services accounted for 27.2% of GDP; wholesale, retail, import and export trade, catering, and hotel industries accounted for 26.5%; and community, social, and personal services accounted for 18.2%. In 2017, among all Chinese cities, Hong Kong's GDP ranked third, after Shanghai and Beijing, and ahead of Shenzhen and Guangzhou, exceeding Shenzhen by RMB 61.075 billion. However, its GDP per capita still ranked first.

Hong Kong's service industry serves not only the local market but also the global market. The value of service exports accounts for a significant proportion of GDP. In 2008, the total value of service exports reached USD 92.3 billion, accounting for 42.9% of GDP. This primarily includes commercial services and trade-related services (accounting for 30.3% of service exports in 2008), transportation services (30.8%), and tourism services (16.4%). In 2009, the total value of service exports reached HKD 672.8 billion, accounting for 40.5% of GDP.

Faced with rapid technological development and globalization, Hong Kong's service-led economy is encountering increasingly fierce competition and is beginning to transform towards focusing on providing high-value-added services and knowledge-based economic activities. Mainland China and Hong Kong signed the "Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement" (CEPA) on June 29, 2003, to promote cross-border trade, encourage Hong Kong businesses to explore the vast mainland market, and encourage mainland enterprises to connect with the world economy through Hong Kong. The agreement allows Hong Kong goods imported into the mainland to enjoy zero-tariff preferences, Hong Kong service industries to enjoy preferential treatment for entering the mainland market, mutual recognition arrangements for professional qualifications between the two sides, and arrangements to facilitate cross-border trade and investment.

6. Transportation

In 2013, the average daily passenger volume of public transportation was approximately 12.35 million.

On October 15, 1993, the Central–Mid-Levels escalator system opened for use. With a total length of about 800 meters, it is the longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world. The Peak Tram commenced operation in May 1888.

Hong Kong's road usage ranks among the highest in the world, with a total road length of 2,099 kilometers. The mountainous terrain of Hong Kong and the dense urban development make road improvements and construction challenging. However, in the urban areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, one-way traffic systems have been implemented on certain streets, along with large-scale road and flyover projects to alleviate traffic congestion. By the end of 2014, there were a total of 700,000 licensed vehicles in Hong Kong.

In 1924, Ho Kai and Au Tak invested in the construction of Kai Tak Airport. In 2013, there were 372,000 aircraft movements at Hong Kong International Airport.

Regarding land transportation, the construction of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link commenced in January 2010.

7. Education

The earliest recorded school in Hong Kong was the Lik Ying College in Kam Tin, founded in 1075 by Deng Fuxie, a Jinshi (imperial examination graduate) of the Northern Song Dynasty. Such academies and study halls were private institutions that taught the Four Books and Five Classics. Before British colonization brought modern schools to Hong Kong, traditional academies and study halls were mostly established in villages in the New Territories, while private tutorial schools were more common on Hong Kong Island. Ying Wa College is the oldest existing secondary school in Hong Kong's history, founded in Malacca on November 11, 1818. The oldest school founded locally in Hong Kong's history is St. Paul's College, established on Hong Kong Island in 1851. On October 1, 1887, the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese was founded. The University of Hong Kong opened on March 11, 1912. In 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong was established. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology opened on October 10, 1991.

After the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, a series of education system reforms (commonly referred to as "education reforms") were implemented. The reforms led by the Education and Manpower Bureau primarily introduced different teaching models to Hong Kong's education system, providing a better learning environment for some students.

Hong Kong's post-secondary education refers to the educational stage following secondary education, which includes not only degree programs but also associate degree and higher diploma courses. It officially began in the early 20th century, with the first university being the University of Hong Kong, formally established in March 1911. Currently, Hong Kong has eight statutory public universities funded by the University Grants Committee: the University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Baptist University, Lingnan University, and The Education University of Hong Kong. Hong Kong Shue Yan University, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, and St. Francis University are private universities, while Hong Kong Metropolitan University (formerly: The Open University of Hong Kong) is the only self-financing statutory public university.

8. Population

In 1955, Hong Kong's population was 2.4 million, rising to 5.6 million by 1988, with 98% being ethnic Chinese. In 2013, Hong Kong had the world's lowest birth rate—only 7.6 live births per 1,000 people—while also being the region with the highest life expectancy: the average life expectancy at birth was 81.1 years for males and 86.7 years for females. In 2014, people aged 65 and above accounted for 14.7% of the total population. With increasing average life expectancy and a declining birth rate, the population is aging. It is estimated that by 2033, those aged 65 and above will constitute 27% of the population. The population is projected to peak at 8.19 million in 2041, after which it will gradually decline.

Hong Kong residents include Cantonese, Fujianese, Hakka, and Tanka people, with very few being truly indigenous. Apart from those born in Hong Kong after the war, most are immigrants from Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai who arrived during different periods. During the 1970s and 1980s, Hong Kong, as the first port of asylum, accepted a significant number of Vietnamese boat people, a considerable proportion of whom were ethnic Chinese from Vietnam. Additionally, Hong Kong residents also include some ethnic minorities, with a relatively higher proportion being South Asians.

In 2014, there were 551,500 more females than males in Hong Kong, with only 8,584 males per 10,000 females. The median age at first marriage was 31 for males and 29 for females.

According to the 2021 Hong Kong Population Census data, the populations of the four major regions are as follows: Hong Kong Island (1,195,529), Kowloon (2,232,339), New Territories (3,984,077), and Marine (1,125), with a total population of 7,413,070.

District Council District | 1991 | **** | 2001 | **** | 2011 | **** | 2021 | ****
-----------|-----------|-------|-----------|-------|-----------|-------|-----------|------- District | Population | % | Population | % | Population | % | Population | %
Central and Western | 253,383 | 4.5 | 261,884 | 3.9 | 251,519 | 3.6 | 235,953 | 3.2
Wan Chai | 180,309 | 3.2 | 167,146 | 2.5 | 152,608 | 2.2 | 166,695 | 2.2
Eastern | 560,200 | 9.9 | 616,199 | 9.2 | 588,094 | 8.3 | 529,603 | 7.1
Southern | 257,101 | 4.5 | 290,240 | 4.3 | 278,655 | 3.9 | 263,278 | 3.6
Yau Tsim Mong | 282,060 | 5 | 282,020 | 4.2 | 307,878 | 4.4 | 310,647 | 4.2
Sham Shui Po | 380,615 | 6.7 | 353,550 | 5.3 | 380,855 | 5.4 | 431,090 | 5.8
Kowloon City | 402,934 | 7.1 | 381,352 | 5.7 | 377,351 | 5.3 | 410,634 | 5.5
Wong Tai Sin | 386,572 | 6.8 | 444,630 | 6.6 | 420,183 | 5.9 | 406,802 | 5.5
Kwun Tong | 578,502 | 10.2 | 562,427 | 8.4 | 622,152 | 8.8 | 673,166 | 9.1
Kwai Tsing | 440,807 | 7.8 | 477,092 | 7.1 | 511,167 | 7.2 | 495,798 | 6.7
Tsuen Wan | 271,576 | 4.8 | 275,527 | 4.1 | 304,637 | 4.3 | 320,094 | 4.3
Tuen Mun | 380,683 | 6.7 | 488,831 | 7.3 | 487,546 | 6.9 | 506,879 | 6.8
Yuen Long | 229,724 | 4 | 449,070 | 6.7 | 578,529 | 8.2 | 668,080 | 9
North | 165,666 | 2.9 | 298,657 | 4.5 | 304,134 | 4.3 | 309,631 | 4.2
Tai Po | 202,117 | 3.6 | 310,879 | 4.6 | 296,853 | 4.2 | 316,470 | 4.3
Sha Tin | 506,368 | 8.9 | 628,634 | 9.4 | 630,273 | 8.9 | 692,806 | 9.3
Sai Kung | 130,418 | 2.3 | 327,689 | 4.9 | 436,627 | 6.2 | 489,037 | 6.6
Islands | 47,459 | 0.8 | 86,667 | 1.3 | 141,327 | 2 | 185,282 | 2.5
Marine | 17,620 | 0.3 | 5,895 | <0.1 | 1,188 | <0.1 | 1,125 | <0.1 Total | 5,674,114 | | 6,708,389 | | 7,071,576 | | 7,413,070 |

9. Religion

Freedom of religious belief is a fundamental civil right for Hong Kong residents and is protected by law; religious groups are also permitted to operate schools in Hong Kong, with many such schools receiving taxpayer funding. Religions from around the world coexist harmoniously in Hong Kong, including Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism. In addition to promoting their teachings, many religious groups actively engage in public welfare initiatives, such as establishing schools and providing health and welfare facilities. For example, the Trappist Haven Monastery produces "Cross" brand milk, with Latin inscriptions at its entrance meaning "Peace to those who enter, health to those who depart" (PAX INTRANTIBUS, SALUS EXUENTIBUS).

Among Hong Kong's busiest temples are the Wong Tai Sin Temple, renowned for fortune-telling and deeply cherished by the public, and the Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin. Other notable temples include the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Po Lin Monastery, and Man Mo Temple. A diverse array of deities is worshipped, such as the Monkey King, sea gods, earth gods, kitchen gods, martial gods, water immortals, the God of Prosperity, Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy), the God of Fortune, Guan Yu (the God of War), the God of Longevity, the God of Culture, the God of Literature, and the God of Wealth.

Wealth Distribution "Year" | "Hong Kong's Gini Coefficient Over the Years[292] (Change)" -------------|------------------------------- 1991 | "0.476"
"1996" | "0.518(+0.052)"
"2001" | "0.525(+0.007)"
"2006" | "0.533(+0.008)"
"2011" | "0.537(+0.004)"
"2016" | "0.\539(+0.002)"

Hong Kong Kowloon Street According to the UN-Habitat's "State of the World's Cities 2008/2009: Harmonious Cities" report, the Gini coefficient is used to assess the equality of wealth distribution in cities—i.e., the "degree of equality." This index ranges between 0 and 1, with lower values indicating more even distribution of wealth among society's members, and vice versa. Typically, a Gini coefficient of 0.4 is considered the warning line for income disparity. Among Asian cities, Hong Kong has the highest Gini coefficient, reaching 0.53.

10. Culture

A scholar studying Hong Kong history stated that traditional Chinese family culture and values have not disappeared in modern Hong Kong society. Another historian remarked that the most significant aspect of cultural exchange and integration between Chinese and Western cultures in Hong Kong's social culture is the confluence of the values and customs from China's agricultural, industrial, and commercial traditions with the values, conventions, and practices of the British education system, law, accounting, engineering, nursing, public administration, office management, and other areas. This confluence created Hong Kong's economic miracle and transformed its social landscape. Although no groundbreaking theoretical breakthroughs have emerged yet, the subtle and gradual influence is expected to have a lasting impact. Professor Wang Gungwu, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong, said: "Hong Kong people can play a catalytic role in the evolution of a new type of modern Chinese... The Special Administrative Region will help the Chinese people absorb the most dynamic cultures from the outside world, enriching Chinese popular culture with fresh ideas. Hong Kong and other coastal Chinese communities will become important forces in promoting national development." Ancient tastes, preferences, and habits persist; Chinese music has withstood the onslaught of rock and Western classical music; mahjong remains a mainstream pastime; both the lunar and solar calendars are used, and the twelve zodiac animal cycle is still predominant in Hong Kong's Chinese society.

11.1 Philosophy

Hong Kong philosophy does not belong exclusively to the Hundred Schools of Thought or Western philosophy, but both have significantly influenced it. Combined with other cultural influences, this has given rise to Hong Kong philosophy. From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, Hong Kong literary magazines featured numerous works on existentialism. In epistemology, Li Tianming completed The Thinking Method of Linguistic Analysis in 1981, advocating logical positivism.

11.2 Literature

Hong Kong literature refers to the literature that developed in Hong Kong from the 20th century onward under unique historical and political influences. Previously under British rule, Hong Kong experienced frequent cultural exchanges between East and West. Amidst the separation across the Taiwan Strait, Hong Kong also served as a bridge for contact between the two sides. Writers who traveled through, resided in, or were native to Hong Kong all contributed to the development of Hong Kong literature. In the past, Hong Kong was criticized as a "cultural desert," lacking cultural vibrancy, yet Hong Kong literature still holds a place within Chinese culture. Important works by writers who moved south include Cao Juren's Hotel, Xu Su's Miss Sakura, Tang Ren's Spring Dream in Jinling, and Liu Yichang's The Drunkard. In popular literature, the new school of martial arts novels, particularly the works of Jin Yong and Liang Yusheng, captivated Chinese readers worldwide with their fast pace, elegant language, rich sentiment, and profound意境. After the 1960s, romance novelists such as Yi Da, Yi Shu, Yan Qin, Cen Kailun, and Lin Yanqi emerged, producing tender and sentimental works. Ni Kuang's science fiction novels blend sci-fi with reality, combining romance with meticulous logic, forming the "Wesley Science Fiction Series." In the late 1980s, Liang Fengyi introduced "financial novels."

11.3 Comics

Hong Kong comics are influenced by both Japanese manga and Western comics. The production process adopts the industrialized assembly-line approach of Western comics, featuring detailed division of labor, with a chief editor overseeing the main artist and a team collaborating. The artistic style is primarily Western, sometimes incorporating ink wash painting. In terms of content and character design, they are influenced by traditional Chinese martial arts concepts, featuring intricate and detailed plots, a wide range of themes, and strong commercial appeal, covering sci-fi, social issues, entertainment,励志, gangster stories, and comedy. With the increasing prevalence of computers and the internet, independently created comics by the public have appeared online.

11.4 Film and Television

Hong Kong cinema began in 1913 with Lai Man-wai's first Hong Kong film Zhuangzi Tests His Wife. The performances of Yam Kim-fei and Pak Suet-sin have also been celebrated for decades. In May 1957, Rediffusion Television (RTV) began broadcasting, renamed as RTV in 1981, and changed to Asia Television (ATV) in September 1982. In 1967, Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Hong Kong's first free-to-air television station, officially launched. Bruce Lee's films The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, The Way of the Dragon, and Enter the Dragon created a series of heroic characters who pursued equality, dignity, and hated evil, sparking a "kung fu craze" in the West. The Hui brothers (Michael Hui, Samuel Hui, Ricky Hui) with films like Games Gamblers Play and The Private Eyes pioneered comedy films, successfully bringing Cantonese cinema back to the forefront.

Entering the 21st century, with the rise of online media, physical record sales in Hong Kong declined.

In 2022, Hong Kong's first sci-fi film Warriors of Future was released.

On April 16, 2023, Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh served as the presenter for the Best New Performer award at the 41st Hong Kong Film Awards. On stage, she encouraged Hong Kong's new actors: "In 1986, I was nominated for Best New Performer for Yes, Madam!, so I hope everyone never gives up."

11.5 Popular Culture

Hong Kong is hailed as the "Capital of Chinese Pop Culture." Its greatest contribution is introducing popular culture to the Chinese world. Hong Kong culture exports the charm of the "Pearl of the Orient" globally and is acclaimed as the "Entertainment Hub for Chinese People."

Cantopop Cantonese opera was popular entertainment in early Hong Kong. With the rise of the "Guangzhou-Hong Kong troupes" in the 1920s, figures like Sit Kok-sin and Ma Si-tsang worked to refine singing styles, ushering in a golden age of Cantonese opera marked by their rivalry. At this time, Hong Kong's popular culture was closely linked to Guangzhou, as troupes performed in both Hong Kong and Guangdong and even Southeast Asia, without forming a distinct Hong Kong culture. In the 1950s, Hong Kong began absorbing popular culture from Shanghai, combined with long-standing Western influences. From the 1950s to the 1960s, Mandarin pop and Western pop music dominated; Cantopop was not yet widespread.

Starting in the 1970s, Samuel Hui, lead singer of the Lotus band, first performed the song The Iron Tower (co-written with his brother Michael Hui) on the TVB special program The Hui Brothers Show, receiving high praise. The song's elegant and refined lyrics broke the impression of Cantonese pop songs being vulgar, sparking a trend in Cantopop, which subsequently flourished. The Cantopop boom was also fueled by TV drama theme songs like Family Change, The Tide, and The Romantic Swordsman. Between 1976 and 1983, most pop songs were TV drama themes.

In the 1980s, besides Samuel Hui, famous singers included Michael Kwan, Alan Tam, Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung, Roman Tam, Danny Chan, Paula Tsui, and George Lam. Promising local newcomers also emerged, such as Jacky Cheung, Sandy Lam, Sally Yeh, and Priscilla Chan, making the Hong Kong music industry thrive. Cantopop became popular through radio broadcasts, enhanced by image packaging and concert fever, gradually establishing its own unique identity. However, Cantopop at the time heavily referenced Japanese pop music and Western genres like rock and roll, blues, and folk music. Due to the contemporary feel of Japanese songs, adapting them became a trend. Simultaneously, local original music bands emerged, such as Beyond, Tai Chi, Tat Ming Pair, and girl groups like Dream Theatre and Face To Face.

In the 1990s, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, and Leon Lai were collectively known as the "Four Heavenly Kings." Jacky Cheung's record quality and sales in the mid-1990s drew attention in Europe and America, making him an international star and marking the peak of Hong Kong's local music influence abroad. The band Beyond was also very popular, even performing in Japan. Female singers like Kelly Chen, Faye Wong, Sammi Cheng, and Miriam Yeung held significant positions in the music scene, rivaling the Four Heavenly Kings and influencing mainland China and Southeast Asia.

Entering the 21st century, singers like Nicholas Tse, Leo Ku, Eason Chan, Joey Yung, Denise Ho, Kay Tse, Miriam Yeung, Hins Cheung, Janice Vidal, Fiona Sit, and Kary Ng, as well as groups like Twins, RubberBand, Supper Moment, and Dear Jane, deeply influenced Hong Kong's popular culture. Additionally, many singers debuted as singer-songwriters, often serving as composers, lyricists, and performers, such as the "Four Little Strong Singers": Ivana Wong, Hins Cheung, Louis Cheung, and Khalil Fong.

From the late 2010s to the 2020s, local Hong Kong groups like MIRROR, ERROR, P1X3L, After Class, COLLAR, and MC $oHo & KidNey were established. New talents like Keung To, Anson Lo, Edan Lui, Ian Chan, Terence Lam, MC Cheung, Gigi Yim, Mike Tsang, Serrini, and Panther Chan injected vitality into the Hong Kong music scene. These groups and singers have led more Hong Kong people to refocus on Cantonese song culture.

11.6 Alternative Culture

Hong Kong's dense population and increasingly developed technology have led to rapid media growth, allowing alternative culture to spread widely in mainstream society. For example, Tsang Tsou-choi created a new culture for Hong Kong. There are also Hong Kong-style humor and "mo lei tau" (nonsensical) culture.

11.7 Media

Hong Kong's broadcasting history dates back to 1928 when GOW, the predecessor of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), began broadcasting. Hong Kong's first cable television station, Rediffusion Television (RTV, predecessor of ATV), launched in 1957, also the first television station in the global Chinese community. In 1967, Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Hong Kong's first free-to-air television station, began broadcasting, ushering in the era of free television and popularizing TV sets in Hong Kong.To this day, Hong Kong has the public broadcaster RTHK TV, while the private sector includes three free-to-air television stations: TVB, Hong Kong Television Entertainment, and Fantastic TV. Additionally, Hong Kong Cable TV (which ceased broadcasting on June 1, 2024) and now TV provide pay television broadcasting services. Other companies offer non-local television programming through various media, such as satellite television and internet television (e.g., HKTVE and Chapman To's Laisou), with Phoenix Satellite Television establishing its headquarters in Hong Kong.

In terms of radio, aside from the public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong, three commercial radio stations—Commercial Radio Hong Kong, Metro Broadcast, and Digital Broadcasting Corporation Hong Kong—were established in 1959, 1991, and 2010, respectively. With the widespread adoption of communication technology in the early 21st century, new electronic media such as internet radio and blogs have also gained popularity.

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Central and Western District

Sha Tin District

Ethnicity

• Chinese (91.6%)
• Filipino (2.7%)
• Indonesian (1.9%)
• South Asian (1.4%)
• White (0.8%)

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Bauhinia