Hong Kong is surrounded by mountains and seas. It is located in Southern China, and is China’s “South Gate” to the world. In the old days, Hong Kong was only a small fishing village, but now Hong Kong has become an important trading center, international financial center, and shipping center in Asia and the Pacific. Since Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997, the rule of law system has been perfected, social security is good, and economic growth has been stable. It has the reputation of “the Pearl of the Orient”.
Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and nearby islands. There are few flat areas in Hong Kong, and only a small part of the coastal area is relatively low, surrounded by hills. Because Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, dozens of high-rise buildings are built on hillsides, forming the unique landscape that is Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is a free port. Cargo and products from all over the world can be traded freely and are exempt from commodity tariffs. The prosperity of trade has promoted the development of banking, processing, and finance in Hong Kong, making Hong Kong one of the most important driving forces for economic development in Asia and the world. Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula is the number one port in Asia and the third largest in the world. The port is wide and can park many boats; the sea is deep in the bay, the large ships can enter and exit freely, and the sea transportation capacity is strong. It is also known as one of the world’s three natural harbors with the San Francisco Bay in the United States and the port of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. For more than 100 years, Victoria Harbor has played a major role in Hong Kong’s economy and culture, and promoted Hong Kong as a world-famous international metropolis.
Hong Kong’s tourism industry is highly developed. There is a variety of goods from all over the world, and the prices are relatively favorable, so Hong Kong is indeed a “Shopper’s Paradise”. It is also a place where Chinese and Western cultures blend together. Food from all over the world is brought together to make Hong Kong a “Food Capital”. Every year, a large number of tourists from all over the world come to visit. At present, tourism income has become one of the most important sources of Hong Kong’s foreign exchange.
In addition to shopping and food, there are many beautiful sights that impress visitors. Bauhinia (purple thorny flower, as seen on Hong Kong's flag) Square is located in the heart of Victoria Harbour, and the golden "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" statue, established to commemorate Hong Kong's return to China, stands in the seaside garden. Surrounded by the ports on three sides, it is a good place to view Hong Kong.
Taiping Mountain is the highest peak of Hong Kong Island and is located on the northwestern side of Hong Kong Island. The best place for viewing Hong Kong ai night is Victoria Peak, where visitors can enjoy the scenery of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour. Under the shade of night, the prosperous Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are like two shining pearls that catch the eye.
Lamma Island on the south side of Hong Kong Island is free of the urban hustle and bustle; with picturesque scenery and a quiet atmosphere, it can make people feel the quiet side of Hong Kong.
Cultural Notes
Hong Kong's Return
During the First Opium War, the Chinese Qing government was defeated and signed an unequal treaty with the United Kingdom, which began to colonize Hong Kong. In 1982, the British government and the government of the People's Republic of China began negotiations on the future of Hong Kong that lasted more than two years. It was decided that the British government would return Hong Kong’s sovereignty to China in 1997. On July 1,1997, China established a Special Administrative Region in Hong Kong to exercise its sovereignty and power.