China is a British colony. British Hong Kong - history
British Hong Kong is a public entity claimed by China and Great Britain. A complex system international treaties made this peninsula practically independent from both countries, and liberal tax laws allowed this state to become one of the fastest growing regions in the world.
Background
The history of Hong Kong begins about 30,000 years ago. According to archaeologists, this is one of the most famous corners of the earth, where traces of the activities of ancient people have been found. For a long time, this territory undividedly belonged to China. During the reign, the region was known as an international trade center. Hong Kong was known as large manufacturer salt, naval port, smuggling center.
The beginning of the opium war
In 1836, the Chinese government undertook a major overhaul of its raw opium sales policy. Lin agreed to take on the task of blocking the spread of opium. In March 1839, he became Imperial Special Commissioner for Canton, where he ordered foreign traders to abandon their opium stocks. He restricted British traders' access to the Canton factories and was able to cut them off from supplies. The Chief Commerce Officer, Charles Elliot, agreed to carry out Lin's ultimatum to ensure a safe exit from the opium market for British traders, a cost that would have to be resolved through agreements between the two governments. Elliot promised that the British government would pay for the opium stocks of local merchants. Therefore, the merchants handed over their chests, which contained 20.283 kg of opium. Subsequently, these reserves were liquidated with a large crowd of people.
Speech by the British
In September 1839, the British cabinet decided that the Chinese should be punished. The Eastern people had to pay for the destruction of British property. The Expeditionary Force was led by Charles Elliot and his brother in 1840. The corps was supervised by Lord Palmerston. It was in his petition to the government that the British authorities did not dispute China's right to conduct its own opium trade, but opposed the way that trade was conducted. The Lord viewed the sudden hundredfold tightening of control over opium as a trap for foreign (primarily British) traders, and he presented blocking the supply of opium raw materials as an unfriendly and incorrect step. To back up this petition with action, the Lord instructed the expeditionary force to occupy one of the nearby islands, and if the Chinese do not properly consider the British demands, the Chinese ports of the Yangtze and Yellow He will block the British ships. The petition emphasized that British merchants should not be subject to the unauthorized unfriendly demands of the local government in any of the seaports of the Chinese empire.
Arrangements
In 1841, after negotiations with Mr. Qi-Shan, who succeeded the legendary Lin, Elliot announced that preliminary agreements had been reached, which had already recognized the British right to the island of Hong Kong and its harbor. This is how British Hong Kong was born. The flag of Great Britain flew over the old fortifications of the island, and Commander James Bremen took control of the island on behalf of the British crown.
Hong Kong promised to be a valuable base for the British trading community in the province of Canton. In 1842, the transfer of the island was officially ratified, and Hong Kong "forever" became a British colony.
Colony expansion
The treaty signed by Great Britain and the Chinese government could not satisfy either side. In the fall of 1856, the Chinese authorities detained a ship belonging to China, whose place of registration was indicated in British Hong Kong. The consul in Canton approached the Chinese authorities with the statement that such a detention was an insult of a very serious nature. The Hong Kong administration took up the incident to push forward its own policies. In the spring of 1857, Palmerston appointed Lord Elgwin to represent the British side in dealing with trade and defense, and authorized him to sign a new, more favorable treaty with China. At the same time, the British decided to strengthen their position in the upcoming negotiations, and supplemented their own corps with a French expeditionary force. In 1860, the Dagu Fortress was seized by joint actions and Beijing was occupied, forcing the Chinese authorities to accept British demands. In history, these confrontations were called the opium trade wars, each of which expanded empires and ended with the defeat of China. According to the agreements signed, the British were able to open their own ports, and the right to legally trade in opium and have their own diplomatic missions in Beijing was returned to them without hindrance. In addition, during the conflict, the English corps was able to occupy the Kowloon Peninsula. This plateau was of significant potential value - a city and a new defensive line could be built on it.
Expansion and strengthening
By the late 19th century, colonists were looking to expand British Hong Kong for defense. On this occasion, negotiations began with the Chinese side, which led to the signing of the second Beijing Convention on June 9, 1989. Since foreign states had already reached an agreement by that time that it was impossible to undermine China's sovereignty and tear off its territory piece by piece, British Hong Kong received a different state registration. This allowed China to "save face" in the form of nominal jurisdiction over the alienated lands, and the British - in fact, to rule Hong Kong on a lease basis. Hong kong lands were leased to the British government for 99 years. In addition, 230 islands were given under British jurisdiction, which became known as the New British Territories. Britain officially took over the temporary possession of Hong Kong and the rest of the land in 1899. It had its own rules, different from the mainland ones, the courts, police and customs worked - everything that British Hong Kong could emphasize its independence. The coin of this region was in circulation throughout Southeast Asia.
Years of war
Until the outbreak of World War II, Hong Kong led a quiet existence as one of the many British colonies that were scattered around the globe. With the outbreak of hostilities, it was decided to consolidate the military operation to protect the new British territories with the Chinese authorities. In 1941, the British signed a military agreement, according to which, in an attack on British Hong Kong, the Chinese national army would attack the Japanese from the rear. This should have been done to weaken the enemy's pressure on the British garrison. the Battle of Hong Kong began, during which Japanese aerial bombers virtually destroyed the British Air Force in a single attack. Two days later, the Japanese broke through the defense line in new territories. The British commander, Major General Christopher Maltby, concluded that the island could not hold out for long without reinforcements, so the commander withdrew his brigade from the mainland.
On December 18, the Japanese captured Victoria Harbor. As of December 25, only small pockets of resistance remained of the organized defense. Maltby recommended surrendering to the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Mark Young, who accepted his advice to reduce the potential for damage to the city and port.
Japanese invasion
The day after the invasion, Generalissimo Chiang issued an order to the three Chinese corps under the command of General Yu Hanmou to turn towards Hong Kong. The plan was to start New Year's Day with an attack on the Japanese occupying forces in the Canton region. But before the Chinese infantry could form their own line of attack, the Japanese broke down the Hong Kong defenses. British losses were significant: 2,232 soldiers were killed and 2,300 were injured. The Japanese reported that they lost 1,996 killed and 6,000 wounded. The severe Japanese occupation brought a lot of suffering. The city was destroyed, the population left Hong Kong. The country was experiencing economic and social decline, the population of the British colonies decreased by half. The Japanese imprisoned the ruling British colonial elite and sought to defeat local traders by appointing their own henchmen to advisory councils and overseeing them. This policy has resulted in widespread collaboration from both the elite and the middle class, with far less terror than other cities in China.
Japanese occupation
Hong Kong was transformed into a Japanese colony, with the prevalence of Japanese business structures replacing British ones. However, the Japanese Empire faced serious logistical difficulties, and by 1943 the food supply in Hong Kong was problematic. The government became more violent and corrupt, and the Chinese elite became disillusioned. After Japan's surrender, the transition back to British patronage was painless, as nationalist and communist forces on the mainland prepared for civil war and ignored Hong Kong's demands and concerns. In the long term, the occupation strengthened the pre-war social and economic order among the Chinese business community, eliminating some conflicts of interest, which resulted in some decline in the prestige and power of the British.
Restoration of Chinese sovereignty
The infusion of American and British money quickly put the colony on its feet. The post-war development of Hong Kong shows gradual and then rapid economic growth. In the late 1980s, Hong Kong became one of the four "eastern dragons" and successfully retains its position in the present tense. In 1997, the ceremonial transfer of rights to Hong Kong to the government took place. The British Crown Colony ceased to exist and Hong Kong nominally became part of China. But the city managed to maintain its own independence and isolation from the rest of the Chinese provinces. It has its own courts, developed its own rules, has its own administration and customs. Hong Kong is only part of China and is unlikely to become part of the overall administrative system in the near future.
Capital of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a country with practically no territory. It does not have a capital in the generally accepted sense of the word. We can say that the capital of Hong Kong is Hong Kong itself. At the same time, various sources indicate that the capital of Hong Kong is Victoria City. This is a prestigious area of the metropolis, in which all administrative and political buildings were concentrated during the period of British rule. After the lease expired, Victoria City became just one of the areas of Hong Kong, so the opinion that this particular place is the capital of Hong Kong is outdated and not entirely correct.
Modern hong kong
The rapid post-war development of the Far East region has led to the fact that modern British Hong Kong has become one of the most dynamic and developed cities in the world. The almost complete absence of natural resources did not prevent this disputed territory from achieving the highest possible standard of living. This happened due to the developed legislation, perfect infrastructure and favorable geographic location.
Hong Kong has been able to find its niche in the global economy, and has become a forward in the electronics, apparel, textile and electrical industries. However, the service sector is the main driver of Hong Kong's development. The vast majority of the inhabitants of this region are employed in the financial, banking, retail and hospitality industries. The main partners of Hong Kong are the United States, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Heart of Hong Kong
The center of Hong Kong can be considered the island of Hong Kong, divided into two regions, which have a natural border in the form of a bay. Three underground tunnels are laid between the mainland and the island. The island is home to the most important administrative institutions of Hong Kong, including the world financial center, the old and new buildings of the Bank of China, and the world exhibition center. Most entertainment venues. Trendy shops, antique museums and clubs are also located on the island, so in the given time exactly about. Hong Kong can be considered the center of this densely populated region of Southeast Asia.
A traveler's paradise
New Hong Kong is a true paradise for entertainment and shopping lovers. Local shops have collections of famous world brands at relatively low prices, and numerous discos, bars and clubs are open to visitors around the clock. Lovers of leisurely walks and antiquity will also be satisfied - there are many protected areas and parks in Hong Kong, where you can enjoy the untouched nature of the rainforest. Tourists will also like numerous museums and temples, where they can view unique exhibits collected over thousands of years of Hong Kong history, see the world's greatest statue of Buddha, and visit remote settlements where ancient traditions are still honored. Hikers will not be disappointed - despite the stunning population density, Hong Kong has been and remains one of the cleanest metropolitan areas in the world. Communication shouldn't be a problem - the majority of Hong Kong residents speak excellent English.
If you have the time and opportunity - visit this amazing island - the impressions of modern Hong Kong, amazingly combining antiquity and modernity, will remain in your memory for a lifetime.
Everyone knows that Hong Kong used to be a British colony. Was, was, and then suddenly in 1997 rr-time! and was not. I remember talking about it on the news back then. I had the feeling that some very abstract "ours" were leaked to the Chinese. Why this happened, I did not understand then - I heard something about the ending lease - and I didn’t really try to figure it out. And if you look at it, it all started a long time ago ...
In order to understand why Hong Kong was merged, it is important to know how it was acquired ... In the 19th century, the great powers divided weak China into spheres of influence, and imposed on it, under military-economic pressure, various deals with unfavorable terms. Today they are called Unequal Pacts. Colonial Hong Kong consisted of three parts, each of which was acquired by the British in a separate such treaty with the Chinese Empire:
"Acquisition of Hong Kong" by Zamoeux Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
- Hong Kong itself - the "main", central, island (where most of the skyscrapers are today) was given away by the Treaty of Nanjing (1842) after the first Opium War.
- Nearby Kaulun is a small piece of land bounded to the north by Boundary Street - by the Beijing Treatise of 1860 as a result of the second Opium.
- The "New Territories", from Kowloon north to the Shenzhen River, and a few more islands were given to the British by the Expansion Convention (1898) after China was defeated in the Sino-Japanese War. The map shows that in terms of area, this is the vast majority of the Hong Kong territory.
Anyway, when the question "what's next?" First touched in the early 1970s, the British had to sit down at the negotiating table with a much stronger power wishing to regain its rights after a century and a half of resentment and humiliation. China got up from its knees.
Over the century Kaulun has grown north
The central island of Hong Kong was at that time the economic center of the region. Due to its limited size, many of the colony's secondary infrastructure was located in these New Territories. Without them, Hong Kong would not have been able to provide its own needs. And little Kaulun expanded to the north, including parts of the leased land. Boundary Street, the former border of home and foreign territory, has become just one of the highways of the growing city. Among other things, good relations with China are very important for the well-being of Hong Kong, as 70% of drinking water is imported from there.
Kaulun today
In short, when the Chinese government made it clear that it was not intentionally extending the lease in the New Territories, the British had to make a difficult decision about how to deal with the entire colony. Taking only part of the land was very difficult, and the Chinese themselves persistently hinted that they would like to get back everything that was taken from them as a result of the Unequal Treaties. The British themselves understood that they most likely would not be able to keep the colony by force in the event of hostilities.
As a result, Britain resigned itself to the fact that it could not keep control of Hong Kong, and concentrated on preserving economic and political freedoms on its territory. China, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, had just recently introduced into its constitution the possibility of creating Special Administrative Regions, in which the political system may differ from the rest of the country.
In 1984, the parties entered into an agreement: Hong Kong will go to the PRC in 1997, but will become one of such regions for a minimum period of 50 years. This guaranteed minimum will expire in 2047 and it is unclear whether China will decide to continue Hong Kong's special status beyond that date. The handover ceremony took place on July 1, 1997. Already today, the people of Hong Kong, accustomed to distinguishing themselves from ordinary Chinese, have many questions for the central government. They feel the center's interference in their lives, and they are not very happy about it - last year's protests are a perfect example of this.
Subsequently, in one of her rare interviews, Margaret Thatcher called the surrender of Hong Kong one of the most serious disappointments of her rule.
British industrialists and merchants from the 17th century were attracted by a huge chinese market... But the authorities of the Celestial Empire were in no hurry to open the doors to foreigners. Needless to say, the British fleet showed up off the coast of anyone who refused to trade with "enlightened sailors". London quickly found a pretext to attack China.
In 1839, Beijing decided to end the massive opium smuggling in the Canton region. The imperial commissar Lin was sent there, endowed with extraordinary powers.
He summoned Captain Elliot, a resident of the East India Company, to Canton, and then declared him and all the English merchants prisoners until all the opium was handed over to the Chinese authorities. Lin's demand was eventually satisfied, but this also served as a pretext for war.
An English squadron in Indian waters was ordered to concentrate in Singapore. Its commander was appointed Admiral Elliot (brother of the East India Company resident). The objectives of the expedition were as follows: 1) to achieve the complete satisfaction of British subjects who suffered from Lin's actions, 2) to obtain permission for free trade in Chinese ports, and 3) to obtain guarantees for British subjects against the possibility of a repetition of such violence.
The ground forces of the expedition reached a total of 4094 people: 4 European regiments, 1 regiment of Indian volunteers, 2 companies, one artillery squad (9-lb and 12-lb cannons) and 1 sapper squad. The squadron consisted of 18 combat sailing ships, 4 ships of the East India Company, armed with artillery, and 28 transports. Food supplies were prepared for 9 months and transported on special vehicles.
Commodore Sir Gordon Bremer's first task, prior to the arrival of Admiral Elliot, was to seize one of the islands to establish a base there.
The Chinese were defeated in the war, and on August 29, 1842, a peace treaty was signed, according to which: 1) the Chinese government pledged to pay the British $ 21 million over three years, 2) the ports of Canton, Amoy, Fu-cheu-fu, Ning Pho and Shanghai should be open to European trade and 3) Hong Kong Island was ceded to England. On September 15, the treatise was rectified and the hostilities ended.
This is how Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire. The colony was ruled by a governor, under whom, from 1843, the Legislative Council, which consisted of four colonial officials, acted as an advisory body. In 1850, two more appointed members were added. Subsequently, the number of members of the council gradually increased. So, in 1857 it was replenished with two more officials and one appointed member, in 1884 there were already 7 officials and 5 appointed members (including one Chinese) in the council, and in 1896 the council expanded to 8 officials and 6 " unofficial ”members.
Hong Kong quickly became an outpost for British penetration into China. British traders, merchants and opium sellers conducted their operations from it, and later American traders joined them. They constituted the elite of the colony, while the overwhelming majority of the population was Chinese (31.5 thousand inhabitants out of 33 thousand in 1851).
The territory of the colony was constantly expanding. According to the terms of the Beijing Convention of 1860, concluded after the Second Opium War, China was forced to cede part of the Kowloon Peninsula and a number of islands to Great Britain. To strengthen the defenses of Hong Kong, London in 1898 obtained from China a 99-year concession (until 1997) of "new territories" in the north of Kowloon (Kowloon).
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Hong Kong was hit hard by epidemics and natural disasters. In 1894, the colony was struck by an epidemic of bubonic plague that penetrated from South China, as a result of which more than 2.5 thousand people died that year and another 1.3 thousand in 1898-1900. Fleeing from the plague, 100 thousand Chinese temporarily left Hong Kong, which caused great damage to the economy of the colony.
On September 18, 1906, a devastating typhoon and tsunami struck Hong Kong, claiming up to 10,000 lives.
Despite epidemics and natural disasters, Hong Kong has developed rapidly. Thanks to its advantageous geographical position, beautiful natural harbor and the status of a free port, it has become a major center for trade and shipping. Hong Kong became one of the largest ports in the world, performing intermediary functions in trade between China, Japan, Indochina, Siam, the Netherlands India, India, European countries and the United States. About 20% of China's exports and a significant part of Chinese emigration passed through the colony. Roads, large ship docks and industrial enterprises... The most important branches of production are shipbuilding, sugar and tobacco industries. Hong Kong-Shanghai Bank has become the largest in China. The railway connected Hong Kong with Guangzhou. The colony was home to a powerful British naval base.
By 1906, Hong Kong had become the main British naval base in the Pacific. The Eastern Fleet was permanently based there. By 1906, it included 7 cruisers, 2 sloops, 14 destroyers (fighters) and 4 destroyers.
In Hong Kong, the British set up a first-class seaport and arsenal. Shipbuilding and engineering plants worked for the needs of the fleet. Six docks (maximum length 171 m) could serve ships of all classes.
The coal stock in private warehouses exceeded 100 thousand tons. Telegraph cables connected Hong Kong with Saigon, Fuzhou, Manila, Amoy (Xiamen), etc.
In Hong Kong, there were consulates of all the leading countries of the world. Thus, the Russian consulate was established back in 1857, but until the beginning of the 20th century, the duties of Russian consuls were performed by foreigners. Perhaps the creation of the consulate should be associated with the visit to the colony in November 1857 by Count E.V. Putyatin, who arrived there on the steamer "America". He held talks with British Ambassador Elgin, being a guest of the American firm Russell & Co.
Since 1900, a full-time Russian consulate has functioned in Hong Kong. M. Ustinov, K. Bologovsky, P. Tiedemann and V. von Ettingen served as consul.
In addition to their main functions, our consuls carried out the tasks of the gendarme department. So, in February 1905, in connection with the passage of Russian prisoners from Japan through Hong Kong, the government asked the consul to find out if there were “anti-government Russian publications” on sale in the colony, and if there were any, “to withdraw ... by way of a one-time, of course, official, purchase ".
Trade and economic relations between Hong Kong and Russia were very poorly developed at the beginning of the 20th century. Russia imported into the colony "maral horns for their further export to China", exported mainly cinnamon, peanuts, vegetable oil, ginger, anise and some other traditional Chinese export products. "These exports were in Hong Kong almost exclusively in the hands of German firms ... and prices and the market in general were regulated in Hamburg." The presence of an insignificant exchange of goods nevertheless prompted the Voluntary Fleet Association to include Hong Kong in 1912 among the ports of urgent calls on the Vladivostok-Odessa line. Prior to this, transportation was carried out by the Russian East Asian Shipping Company between the colony and Vladivostok. According to a 1908 report, flour, rice, pineapples, peppers, sugar, jute sacks, manufactured goods, and timber were delivered from Hong Kong to Russia. In the opposite direction - nothing but luggage.
Many Russian entrepreneurs made attempts to gain a foothold in the Hong Kong market. In May 1909, a representative of the famous Faberge jewelry company arrived there. Trading house "I.Ya. Churin and Co. ", specializing in trade with China, turned in August 1910 to" DMK "and" Butterfield & Swire "with a proposal to start buying sugar. In May 1909, the Russian Consul was asked for assistance in establishing business ties by the Russian Trade Society "Vostok" in Odessa. In April 1914, a warehouse of the Moscow Partnership of the Emil Tsindel manufactory was opened in Hong Kong (26).
A few words should be said about another British naval base in China.
In May 1898, the British occupied the Chinese city and port of Weihaiwei. On July 1, 1898, London and Beijing signed an agreement to lease the Weihaiway while Russia occupied Port Arthur. As you know, in 1905 the Japanese captured Port Arthur, but the British remained in Weihaiwei.
Actually, Weihaiwei was a small piece of land on the Shandung Peninsula (Shandong), 186 thousand hectares, not counting the numerous shoals.
The British renamed Weihaiwei Port Edward, but this name did not catch on. Before the Battle of Tsushima, five battleships were based in Weihaiwei: Albion, Glory, Ocean, Venjens, Centurion and several cruisers. Thus, the British squadron was approximately equal to the 1st Port Arthur Pacific squadron or two combined - the 2nd and 3rd Pacific squadrons of Rozhdestvensky and Nebogatov.
After the Battle of Tsushima, the British battleships left the Far East.
In the fall of 1914, Weihaiwei was used for operations against the German fortress of Qingdao. So, for example, on October 14, 1914, the British battleship (battleship) "Triumph", damaged by German coastal artillery, arrived at Weihaiway for repairs.
In 1929, British diplomacy made a brilliant move by returning the Weihaiwei to China. On the one hand, this raised the popularity of the dictator Chiang Kai-shek among the Chinese population. Fortunately, Chan demanded that the Europeans return all Chinese lands. On the return of Weihaiwei, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Zhengting said that "the first step has been taken to eliminate all foreign concessions in China."
On the other hand, the British government basically did not want to fight the Japanese and rightly believed that the Japanese would need Weihaiwei in the near future. Indeed, after a few years, Weihaiwei became Japanese.
Nevertheless, London, just in case, retained its right to use the port of Weihaiwei for another 10 years, that is, until 1939.
But back to Hong Kong. Its population grew rapidly. In 1931, 880 thousand inhabitants already lived in Hong Kong, of which 860 thousand were Chinese, in 1938 - already more than a million.
Chinese political movements were active in Hong Kong. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the organizations and groups of the Sunyatsen United Union, and then the Kuomintang, have become more active there. Communist organizations began to emerge in Hong Kong in the 1920s. In the 1910s, the first trade unions appeared in the colony, and in the next decade a series of major strikes and workers' demonstrations swept across Hong Kong: about 100 thousand people took part in the Xianggang strike of sailors in January-March 1922, in the Xianggang-Guangzhou strike of 1925- 1926 attended by 250 thousand workers.
Despite the public upsurge, little has changed in the colony's governing system. It was still led by a governor appointed from London. According to the 1917 decree, the Executive and Legislative Councils existed under him. The first of them consisted of 7 officials and 4 “unofficial” members (2 of them were Chinese). The Legislative Council had 9 officials and 8 "unofficial members" (including 3 Chinese, and since 1929 2 Chinese and one Portuguese). All councilors were appointed by the British government.
After the capture of Guangzhou by Japanese troops in 1938, hundreds of thousands of refugees from South China poured into Hong Kong, and in 1941 the number of the colony's inhabitants increased markedly.
Since the outbreak of World War II, the British cabinet has repeatedly considered the possibility of the Japanese takeover of Hong Kong. At first, the British decided to defend Hong Kong and began to store ammunition and food there so that they could defend themselves for a year without communication with the metropolis.
It was only in August 1940 that the British command realized that Hong Kong could not be defended, and therefore it was recommended to evacuate the garrison, which at that time consisted of four battalions. Prime Minister Winston Churchill agreed to the plan, but the evacuation never materialized. Then the British command offered to reinforce the Hong Kong garrison with two Canadian battalions. On October 27, 1941, these battalions headed for Hong Kong.
In turn, the Japanese command drew up an initial plan for the capture of Hong Kong in the summer of 1940.
At the end of July 1940, heavy fortress artillery was transferred to South China, which included the 1st heavy artillery regiment (240-mm howitzers), the 2nd and 3rd separate heavy artillery battalions (150-mm guns), 5- 1st artillery reconnaissance regiment and other units that made up the 1st artillery group.
In the fall of 1941, the 23rd Army stationed in South China (commanded by Lieutenant General Sakai Misasaki, Chief of Staff Major General Higuchi Keishitaro), which included the 18th, 38th and 104th divisions, the 19th separate a mixed brigade and the 1st artillery group, with their main forces located in the Canton area. Part of the army's forces occupied the Swatou (Shantou) area and the northern part of Hainan Island. The 1st Artillery Group took up firing positions in the Shenchuan area, near the border with Hong Kong. On the eve of the war, the Headquarters reinforced the army with the 51st division, which had been transferred from Manchuria. The 15th Division went over to the 25th Army, which was destined for the invasion of Malaya.
As already mentioned, the territory of Hong Kong included the island of Hong Kong (English possession) and the Kowloon (Kowloon) peninsula leased by England from China. Port Victoria is located in the northern part of Hong Kong Island and the southern part of the Kowloon Peninsula, south of the Chengmen reservoir. The main line of defense of the base on the land side consisted of several positions that passed along the heights from east to west south of the Chengmen reservoir. In the event of a breakthrough of the main defensive zone, the view of Hong Kong Island opened up as if from a bird's eye view. The island itself with a mountainous terrain (the highest point on the island is Victoria Peak, 550 m high) was prepared for an all-round defense. Large small-caliber guns were installed on the island, defensive structures were built along the coast from the sea. So the capture of the island from the sea was extremely difficult. In the eastern part of the Kowloon Peninsula, there was the Qide airfield. Victoria Port was a good anchorage for ships and vessels. However, with the absolute dominance of the Japanese armed forces in the air and at sea, the Hong Kong fortress was completely isolated. Hong Kong's vulnerability was the difficulty of supplying water to its 1.8 million population.
The defense of Hong Kong was entrusted to the Anglo-Indian troops, numbering about 15 thousand people, as well as to a small force of the fleet and aviation.
At 4 a.m. on 8 December, the 23rd Army commander ordered the invasion forces to go into action.
In the morning, Japanese aircraft raided the Qide airfield and suppressed enemy aircraft. The 2nd Expeditionary Squadron blocked Hong Kong from the sea. The advance detachment of Sano's formation, without encountering resistance from the British, crossed the border east of Shenmuan.
The 229th Infantry Regiment, advancing on the left flank, crossed the Shatyanhai Bay, broke through the main line of defense of the British in the Shichzhong area on December 12 and seized the Qide airfield with part of its forces. On December 14, the Kowloon Peninsula was taken, most of the defenders' forces withdrew to Hong Kong Island.
The British destroyer Tracien was captured by the Japanese in Hong Kong and turned into a patrol ship.
The northeastern tip of Hong Kong Island is divided by the very narrow Liyumen Strait, about a kilometer wide from the Li-yumen point located on the Kowloon Peninsula.
The command of the army twice - before the beginning of a powerful artillery shelling and bombing from the air and before the start of the landing - sent the envoy, inviting the British to surrender. British Governor Young refused both times, but made it clear to the parliamentarian that if Japanese troops landed on Hong Kong Island, the British might capitulate.
The first offer of surrender was rejected on 13 December. The next day, a powerful artillery bombardment began with a simultaneous bombardment from the air. For several days, heavy fortress artillery fired on the island.
On December 18, a second offer of surrender was rejected, and at 9 pm, Sano's formation began to cross the strait. The right-flank units of the formation (the main forces of the 228th and 230th Infantry Regiments), having concentrated in the areas of Kowloon and Taiwanquan, successfully landed in the area of the northern tip of the island. The 229th Infantry Regiment, located on the left flank, crossed the strait from the Guandanzi direction, and landed at the northeastern tip of the island in the Tongjivan area.
At 17 hours 50 minutes. On December 25, the British army raised the white flag. At 19 hours 30 minutes. the commanders of units and formations gave the order to cease hostilities. Thus, the operation to capture Hong Kong was completed.
So, it took the Japanese only 18 days to capture Hong Kong. The Japanese lost about 3 thousand people, and captured almost the entire garrison - about 15 thousand people.
On January 19, 1942, a governorate was created in the occupied territory of Hong Kong, which was directly subordinate to the Headquarters. Lieutenant General Isogai Rensuke was appointed as the Governor of Hong Kong. The governorship was entrusted with the tasks of defending the territory and performing military-administrative functions.
In 1942-1945. economic activity in Hong Kong has dropped sharply. Accordingly, many Chinese and Europeans left or were evicted by the Japanese authorities. By the end of 1945, about 750,000 people remained in Hong Kong.
On August 30, 1945, the British Pacific Fleet entered Hong Kong and became a British colony again. On May 1, 1946, civil administration was restored there. This time, the British authorities agreed to provide Hong Kong with elements of self-government. The new constitution provided for the creation municipal council of 9 British officials and 8 representatives of the population, including 4 Chinese. The executive council consisted of 6 government officials, 6 representatives from the population, including three Chinese and one Portuguese.
In connection with the civil war in China and the victory of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) led by Mao Zedong in 1949, hundreds of thousands of Chinese refugees fled to Hong Kong. Some of them arrived with money and organized their own business, while others joined the ranks of hired workers. Many foreign firms have moved their headquarters from Shanghai to Hong Kong. All this contributed to a new upsurge in the economy of Hong Kong and its transformation into a major industrial center.
In addition to shipyards built in the late 19th - early 20th centuries, large cement plants (in 1954, 100.4 thousand tons of cement were produced) and light industry enterprises (mainly textile) operated in Hong Kong. In 1954, 40 thousand workers were employed in the textile industry. Iron and lead ores, tungsten, graphite and kaolin clays were mined in small quantities.
In 1954, 492 million kWh were generated. electricity.
The length of the railway line in 1954 was 56.3 km, the total length of roads was 703.1 km, of which 181.8 km were covered with concrete. In 1954, there were 18.4 thousand vehicles in Hong Kong, of which 3.3 thousand were trucks.
In 1954, the main export items were: cotton yarn and thread, paper sweatshirts and shirts, rubber shoes, flashlights, canned fruits, etc.
The main imports are food and beverages, textiles, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, animal and vegetable fats, mineral fuels, paper and paper products.
By 1955, there were 2,340,000 people living in Hong Kong, 99% of whom were Chinese.
It is curious that the existence of Hong Kong was in some ways beneficial to the PRC authorities. The British colony was a major source of foreign exchange for China. The PRC accounted for a quarter of Hong Kong imports. China also received huge funds through banks owned and cooperating with it, trade and industrial enterprises in Hong Kong. Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have organized border patrols to curb the illegal emigration of Chinese citizens into British possession. In 1970, the share of Hong Kong in foreign exchange earnings from abroad to the PRC was 29.3%, and in 1980 - 36.5%.
But despite this, in the late 1960s the situation escalated. In April 1966, after an increase in transport tariffs, a wave of indignation swept across Hong Kong, the authorities arrested 250 people and were forced to impose a curfew. In May 1967, a strike of several thousand workers in the artificial flower factory began, followed by lockouts in other industries. Unions launched massive protest campaigns that continued throughout the summer. There were numerous cases of shootings with the British police. England deployed additional military forces to Hong Kong, closed opposition newspapers, and arrested thousands of protesters.
The PRC protested to the British government and practically stopped the supply of water and food to Hong Kong. Rumors spread that the British government was planning to evacuate the colony. But by the fall of 1966, the authorities had succeeded in suppressing the riots. China resumed deliveries to Hong Kong, and the British side dismantled a number of new border fortifications. The strikers were never returned to work.
In 1972, in a letter to the chairman of the UN Committee on Decolonization, Chinese Foreign Minister Huang Hua assured that his country intended to use exclusively peaceful means to restore Chinese sovereignty over "occupied" Hong Kong and Macau. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in support of the Chinese demands.
On December 19, 1984, the British-Chinese Declaration on the Future of Hong Kong was signed. And in 1997, Hong Kong was finally reunited with China. In the PRC, for the first time in world history, the concept of "one country - two systems" was successfully implemented.
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Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
History of Hong Kong, geographical characteristics and climate of Hong Kong, flavor of Hong Kong, traditions, mentality and habits
Section 1. History of Hong Kong.
Section 2. Geography of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is located on the Kowloon Peninsula, washed by the South China Sea to the west, south and east, as well as on more than 260 islands, the largest of which are Hong Kong (the location of the supreme and financial center of the territory), Lantau and Lamma. In the north, Hong Kong borders on the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in the Chinese province of Guangdong. It is customary to divide Hong Kong into three parts: the actual island of Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories.
History of Hong Kong
In 1997, Hong Kong's economy was severely negatively impacted by the 1997 Asian year, hitting many East Asian ones. In the same year, the first human infection with the virus was recorded in Hong Kong. bird flu H5N1. In 1998, after six years of construction under the Central Airport Construction Program, the new Hong Kong International Airport was opened. This project was part of an ambitious port and airport strategy drawn up in the early 1980s.
In the first half of 2003, an epidemic of the SARS virus broke out in Hong Kong. Dong Jianhua, Chief Executive of Hong Kong (1997-2005), has been criticized and accused of failing to cope with the 1997 Asian financial crisis and failing to respond appropriately to SARS. In the same 2003, the Dong Jianhua administration tried to pass the adoption of Article 23 of Basic Hong Kong, which made it possible to violate the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers. As a result of half a million protest demonstrations, the administration was forced to abandon these plans. In 2004, during the same massive demonstrations, Hong Kong residents demanded the introduction of the 2007 general election for the head of the SAR. In March 2005, at the request of the Chinese leadership, Dong Jianhua resigned.
Immediately after Dong Jianhua's resignation, his deputy Donald Tsang took over. On March 25, 2007, Donald Tsang was re-elected for a second term.
The earliest discovered human settlements on the territory of modern Hong Kong date back to the Paleolithic. The region first became part of the Qin dynasty, and served as a trading port and naval base during the Tang and Song dynasties. The first European to document a visit to the region was Jorge Alvaris in 1513. After the opening of the British East India branch in Canton (Guangzhou), the presence of the British began to grow in the region.
From the beginning of the 19th century, the British began to actively import opium into China. In 1839, the Qing court imposed a ban on opium, and began the First Opium Plant against China. The island of Hong Kong was first occupied by the British in 1841, and at the end of the war in 1842 it was officially taken over by the British under the Treaty of Nanjing. A year later, the city of Victoria was founded on the island, and the territory received the official status of a crown colony (corresponding to the current "overseas territories"). In 1860, after the defeat of China in the Second Opium War, the territories of the Kowloon Peninsula south of Boundary Street and Stonecutter Island were transferred to perpetual British possession under the Beijing Treaty. In 1898, Great Britain took from China for 99 years the adjacent territory in the north of the Kowloon Peninsula and the island of Lantau, which were named the New Territories.
Hong Kong was declared a free port to facilitate the role of the British Empire's cargo transshipment base in Southeast Asia. In 1910, the Kowloon-Canton Railway opened, connecting Guangzhou and Kowloon. Its terminal station was located in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. The British educational system was introduced in the colony. In the 19th century, the local Chinese population had little contact with the wealthy Europeans who settled at the foot of Victoria Peak.
During World War II, on December 8, 1941, the Empire of Japan attacked Hong Kong. The Battle of Hong Kong ended on 25 December with the defeat of the British and Canadian forces defending the colony. During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, food shortages were frequent, exacerbated by the forced exchange of currency for the military. The population of Hong Kong, before the war was 1.6 million people, by 1945 decreased to 600 thousand. On August 15, it surrendered, and Great Britain restored sovereignty over Hong Kong.
After World War II, China broke out, leading to a wave of new migrants from the mainland, so Hong Kong's population quickly recovered. After the proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, an even greater flow of migrants poured into Hong Kong, fearing persecution by the Chinese Communist Party. Many companies have moved their offices to Hong Kong from Shanghai and Guangzhou. The communist government pursued an increasingly isolationist one, and in this situation Hong Kong remained the only channel through which the PRC was in contact with the West. After China entered the Korean War, the UN imposed an embargo on the PRC, and trade with the continent ceased.
Due to population growth and cheapness work force textile production and others grew rapidly. Together with industrialization, the main engine of the economy became foreign markets. Growth has steadily improved living standards. The construction of the Sack Kip Mae Estate housing estate marked the beginning of the community housing development program. In 1967, Hong Kong plunged into chaos of street riots. Under the influence of left-wing protesters, inspired by the outbreak on the mainland, the workers turned into a violent uprising against the colonial government, which lasted until the end of the year.
In 1974, the Independent Commission for the Prevention of Corruption was formed, which succeeded in minimizing the state apparatus. After the start of reforms in China in 1978, Hong Kong became the main source of foreign investment in China. A year later, close to northern Hong Kong on the territory of Guangdong province, China's first special economic zone, Shenzhen, was formed. The textile and manufacturing component in the Hong Kong economy gradually declined, giving priority to finance and the banking sector. After the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, the Hong Kong authorities took another 25 years to solve the problem of the return of Vietnamese refugees to their homeland.
In light of the lease term of the New Territories, which ended 20 years later, the British government began to discuss the problem of Hong Kong's sovereignty with the PRC authorities in the early 1980s. In 1984, the two countries signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, according to which the transfer of sovereignty over the entire territory of Hong Kong to the PRC was to take place in 1997. The declaration said that Hong Kong should acquire the status of a special administrative region within the PRC, which will allow it to maintain its laws and a high degree of autonomy for at least 50 years after the transfer. Many Hong Kong residents were not confident that these promises would be fulfilled and chose to emigrate, especially after the brutal crackdown on a student demonstration in Beijing in 1989.
In 1990, the Basic Law of Hong Kong was approved, which was to fulfill the role after the transfer of sovereignty. Despite strong opposition from Beijing, Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten reformed the election of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, democratizing it. The handover of sovereignty over Hong Kong took place at midnight on July 1, 1997, and was accompanied by the handover ceremony of Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Exhibition Center. Dong Jianhua became the first Chief Minister of the Hong Kong SAR Administration.
Geography of Hong Kong
Hong Kong consists of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Kowloon Peninsula, New Territories, and about 260 small islands. The New Territories adjoin the Kowloon Peninsula in the north, and beyond their northern border by the Shenzhen River.
A total of 262 islands in the South China Sea belong to Hong Kong, the largest of which is Lantau Island. The second largest and first most populous island is Hong Kong Island.
The name "Hong Kong" literally means "fragrant harbor" and comes from the name of the area in the modern area of Aberdeen on the island of Hong Kong. It used to be used to trade aromatic wood products and incense. The narrow strip of water separating Hong Kong and the Kowloon Peninsula is called Victoria Harbor. It is one of the deepest natural seaports in the world.
Land border:
total: 30 km;
regional boundaries: China 30 km
Length of the coast:
Coastal claims:
territorial sea: 3 nautical miles
tropical monsoons; cool and damp in winter, hot and rainy in spring and summer, warm and sunny in autumn
Locality:
hilly and mountainous terrain with steep cliffs; plains in the north
deep sea harbor, feldspars
Land use:
land cultivation: 5.05%
growing cereals: 1.01%;
other: 93.94% (2001)
Land cultivation:
20 sq. km (1998, estimate)
Environment- Current state:
water and air pollution due to rapid urbanization
Environment - International:
First Commercial Bank (USA)
Fleet National Bank (USA)
HSBC Bank USA (USA - UK)
United Commercial Bank (USA)
Chiba Bank (Japan)
Chugoku Bank (Japan)
Mitsubishi UFJ Confiding propert and Banking Corporation (Japan)
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (Japan)
Shiga Bank (Japan)
Shinkin Central Bank (Japan)
Iyo Bank (Japan)
Hachijuni Bank (Japan)
Industrial Bank of Taiwan (Taiwan)
Chinatrust Commercial Bank (Taiwan)
International Bank of Taipei (Taiwan)
Bank of Taiwan (Taiwan)
Cathay United Bank Company (Taiwan)
Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank (Taiwan)
Taishin International Bank (Taiwan)
E. Sun Commercial Bank (Taiwan)
Hua Nan Commercial Bank (Taiwan)
Taiwan Business Bank (Taiwan)
Bank Sinopac (Taiwan)
Chang Hwa Commercial Bank (Taiwan)
Bank of India (India)
State Bank of India (India)
Indian Overseas Bank (India)
Punjab National Bank (India)
Allahabad Bank (India)
Union Bank of India (India)
Canara Bank (India)
Axis Bank (India)
Corporation Bank (India)
ICICI Bank (India)
Bank of Baroda (India)
Baden-Württembergische Bank (Germany)
Bank of Nova Scotia (Canada)
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (Canada)
National Australia Bank (Australia)
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Australia)
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (Australia)
Macquarie Group (Australia)
Banca di Roma (Italy)
Banca Monte Dei Paschi Di Siena (Italy)
Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (Italy)
Intesa Sanpaolo (Italy)
ING Bank (Netherlands)
Rabobank (Netherlands)
Fortis Bank (Belgium - Netherlands)
KBC Bank (Belgium)
Svenska Handelsbanken (Sweden)
Philippine National Bank (Philippines)
Banco de Oro Unibank (Philippines)
Erste Bank Der Oesterreichischen Sparkassen (Austria)
LGT Bank in Liechtenstein (Liechtenstein)
Bangkok Bank (Thailand)
Bank Negara Indonesia (Indonesia)
National Bank of Pakistan (Pakistan)
Population of Hong Kong
During the 1990s, Hong Kong's population began to grow rapidly. As of the end of 2010, it was over 7 million people. About 95% of Hong Kong residents are ethnic Chinese, most of whom are Cantonese, as well as Chinese ethnic groups such as the Hakka and Chaozhou. Cantonese, a variety of Chinese spoken in the neighboring Chinese province of Guangdong, is the main language of communication in Hong Kong. The official languages of the territory are Chinese (without specifying a specific variety) and English. According to the 1996 census, 3.1% of Hong Kong residents named English as the language of everyday communication, 34.9% named English as their second language. Bilingual signs in Chinese and English are ubiquitous in Hong Kong. Since the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, the influx of immigrants from mainland China has increased. The use of Mandarin, the official language of mainland China, also increased. with the mainland economy has led to the need for people who can speak Mandarin.
The remaining 5% are non-Chinese ethnic groups, which, despite their small numbers, form highly visible groups. Hong Kong's South Asian population consists of Indians, Pakistanis and a small number of Nepalese. Vietnamese fleeing the war became permanent residents of Hong Kong. About 140,000 Filipinos work in Hong Kong as domestic helpers. There are also domestic helpers from Indonesia, and their number is constantly growing. Hong Kong's commercial and financial sector also employs Europeans, Americans, Australians, Canadians, Japanese and Koreans.
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated countries (dependent territories) in the world, with a population density of over 6200 people per km². The average number of births per woman is 0.95. This is one of the lowest rates in the world, well below 2.1, the level required to maintain a constant population. Despite this, Hong Kong's population continues to grow thanks to an influx of immigrants from mainland China, which totals 45,000 annually. The average life expectancy in Hong Kong in 2006 was 81.6 years, the fifth highest in the world. The most populous island in the world, Ap Lei Chau, is located within the borders of Hong Kong.
The population of Hong Kong is mainly concentrated in the extremely densely populated center of the territory, consisting of Kowloon and the northern part of Hong Kong Island. The population density in the rest of the territory is much lower. Several million inhabitants live unevenly in the New Territories, south of Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island. An increasing number of Hong Kongers choose to live in mainland Shenzhen, where prices are much lower, and travel to Hong Kong to work.
Age structure
0-14 years: 13.8% (male 498,771 / female 454,252)
15-64 years: 73.5% (male 2,479,656 / female 2,591,170)
65 and above: 12.7% (male 404.308 / female 470.529) (2005, projected)
Average age:
total: 39.4 years
male: 39.3 years
female: 39.6 years (2005, projection)
Nationality:
noun: Chinese / Hong Kong
adjective: Chinese / Hong Kong
Ethnic groups: Chinese 95%, other 5%
As of 2006, there were 295 thousand Canadians living in Hong Kong (the vast majority of them are ethnic Chinese), 112.5 thousand Filipinos, 88 thousand Indonesians, 60 thousand Americans (the vast majority of them are ethnic Chinese), 20, 5 thousand Indians, 16 thousand Nepalese, 13.5 thousand Japanese, 12 thousand Thais, 11 thousand Pakistanis and 5 thousand Koreans.
Religions: Selected mixes of local religions 90%, Christianity 10%.
Languages: Chinese (Cantonese), English; both are official.
Education and culture of Hong Kong
As a former British Overseas Territory, Hong Kong largely retained the UK education system, in particular the English education system. At the higher rungs in Hong Kong, there are both British and American systems. The University of Hong Kong, the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong, has traditionally been based on the British model, but has adopted some of the American model in recent years. The second-most established Chinese University of Hong Kong follows the American model with a distinct British college system. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is based on the American model higher education... There are nine in Hong Kong public universities, as well as several private universities. One notable example is Lingnan University in Thunmun District, which is the only university in Hong Kong to offer training in the seven liberal arts.
Public education institutions in Hong Kong are supervised by the Department of Education of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR. The system includes an optional three-year kindergarten followed by a compulsory six-year primary education and a three-year first stage of secondary education; followed by an optional two-year upper secondary education, culminating in the Hong Kong Education Examination Certificate, followed by a two-year preparation for the Hong Kong Advanced Exams. In 2009-2012, it is planned to gradually introduce new system"3 + 3 + 4", consisting of a three-year course of the first stage of the secondary school, a three-year course of the second stage and a four-year higher education. There are also universities in Hong Kong that provide bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, other higher and junior diplomas.
Hong Kong's leading educational institutions can be divided into three categories: public, subsidized, and private. The smallest is the first category, the largest number of educational institutions are subsidized, receiving assistance from the government and grants from charities, often of a religious orientation. Typically, these are Christian and Catholic organizations, but they may also include Buddhist, Taoist, Islamic and Confucian organizations. At the same time, private educational institutions are often run by Christian organizations. Outside of this system, there are institutions within the direct and private international schools system.
Hong Kong is often described as the place where East meets West, reflected in its economic infrastructure, architecture, education and urban culture. On one street you can find traditional Chinese shops selling Chinese medicine, Buddhist incense or shark fin soup. But just around the corner you can see a cinema that plays the latest Hollywood blockbuster, an English pub, a Catholic church or McDonald's. The official languages of the territory are Chinese and English, and bilingual signs are found throughout Hong Kong. Government offices, the police, most offices and shops conduct business in both languages. Although British rule ended in 1997, Western culture is deeply rooted in Hong Kong and coexists in harmony with traditional Eastern philosophy and traditions.
The cosmopolitan spirit of Hong Kong is also reflected in the variety of cuisines on offer. The most popular are various types of Chinese cuisine, especially seafood, while there are many European, American, Japanese, Korean and other restaurants in Hong Kong. Local cuisine is also very popular, which can be found in the Chkhantkhengs and Taiphaitons. Hong Kong people take food very seriously, which is why Hong Kong is a destination for some of the best chefs from all over the world.
Along with the status of one of the centers of world trade, Hong Kong is also major exporter entertainment products, in particular, the martial arts genre. Several Hollywood celebrities are from Hong Kong, including Bruce Lee, Chow Yun-Fat, Jackie Chan. Hong Kong also gave Hollywood some outstanding filmmakers such as John Woo, Wong Karwai, Tsui Hark, Heping. Hong Kong films have also won worldwide fame on several occasions, such as Chungking Express, Castling Double, Deadly Football, Showdown in the Bronx and In the Mood for Love. The famous director Quentin Tarantino said in an interview that he was greatly influenced by Hong Kong action films. Hong Kong is also the main production center for Cantopop music. Many movie stars live in Hong Kong. Karaoke culture is part of Hong Kong's nightlife.
The Hong Kong government supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, the Hong Kong Department of Entertainment and Cultural Services subsidizes and sponsors overseas artists who come to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong landmarks
Tourism is an important part of the tertiary sector of Hong Kong's economy, which began to develop rapidly in the late 1980s and early 90s. The surge in tourists from mainland China was associated with the introduction of the Individual Travel Scheme in 2003.
In 2006, the total amount related to tourism reached 117.3 billion Hong Kong dollars. Tourist arrivals to Hong Kong in 2006 increased 8.1% to 25.25 million, below the Hong Kong Tourism Board's expectations of 27 million. The number of visitors from mainland China exceeded 13.5 million. And in December 2006 the number of visitors exceeded 2.4 million, exceeding the installation of records by one month. International trade and financial services is one of the three main sources of income for Hong Kong.
In December 2006, there were 612 hotels and tourist lodges in Hong Kong with a total of 52,512 rooms. Average occupancy rate of all categories of hotels and tourist houses is 87% for the whole 2006. This is one percent more compared to 2005, although in December 2006 the occupancy rate was 7.4% compared to December 2005. In 2006, 62.7% of all visitors stayed one night or more, a trend reflecting Hong Kong's growing importance as a regional transport hub.
The Tourism Commission was established in May 1999 to promote the quality of Hong Kong as an international city in Asia for all visitors. A travel strategy group composed of representatives from the government, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and various sectors of the tourism industry was formed to advise the government on tourism development from a strategic point of view.
Victoria Peak
Stanley District
Repul's Bay
International financial center
Victoria harbor
Aberdeen Harbor
Lanquayphone
Soho District
Ocean park
Symphony of Lights
Including New Kowloon Hong Kong Museum of Art
Avenue of stars
Chunkin Mansions
Clock Tower Hong Kong Cultural Center
Hong kong heritage museum
Hong kong history museum
Hong Kong Kowloon Park Observatory
Nathan Road
Ocean terminal
Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong Science Museum
Space Museum
Star Ferry
Wongtaixin Temple
New Territories
Including Hong Kong Outlying IslandsChekun Temple
Chyeongchau Island
Disneyland
Hong Kong Heritage Museum Hong Kong Museum railroad
Hong Kong Swamp Park
Ngonping Pingsan
Tayou Village
Big Buddha
Tinkau Bridge
The Hong Kong entry quota for visitors from mainland China was lifted in January 2002. The number of travel agents authorized to organize tours has also increased significantly. Citizens from about 170 countries can visit Hong Kong without a visa for a period of seven to 180 days. The Individual Travel Scheme (IVS) was introduced on 28 July 2003. The scheme is gradually expanding and now covers Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Tianjin provinces and nine cities in Fujian, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. In 2006, more than 6.6 million inhabitants of the continent went to Hong Kong by IVS. This is 20.2% more than in 2005.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board continues to promote destinations for business and leisure travelers around the world through its Hong Kong is Life, This is Love! (English Hong Kong - Live it, Love it!). After opening in 2005 using several new attractions, 2006 has been declared the "Year of Hong Kong". The global marketing campaign uses a series of strategic promotions to showcase Hong Kong's new image and promote its 2006 “must visit” event. A number of joint overseas initiatives are underway with Macau and the nine provincial tourism bureaus.
Hong Kong is called the New York of Asia, although there are even more skyscrapers than in the American metropolis. Hong Kong consists of the islands of Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories and a number of other small islands. In 1997, it was returned by Great Britain to the People's Republic of China (PRC), after which Hong Kong was given a special status within China. Hong Kong's cityscapes are mind-boggling, especially in the evenings, but there is also a lot to see and visit.
Victoria Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong, offering a wonderful view of the entire city. This attraction attracts millions of tourists every year. The best way to get to the very top of the Peak is to take a special tram that runs every 10-15 minutes from the city center. The trip takes about 7 minutes. The last leg of the journey is especially exciting, when the tram overcomes the steepest ascent. At the top of the Peak there is a recently completely renovated Peak Tower, shaped like a Chinese frying pan.
The observation deck of the tower offers the most beautiful view of Hong Kong, but the tower itself deserves no less attention: it contains numerous shops and restaurants, in addition, dance and music performances are regularly organized here. The tower also houses the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. All together it gives the impression of a big fair. There is a playground for children on the Peak (Mount Austin), near which there is a beautiful Victoria Peak Garden with a beautiful panorama of the Hong Kong port. For tourists who prefer an active lifestyle, there is a walking path around the Peak, walking along which you will admire the ever-changing views of Hong Kong and the surrounding area. On the way, you can relax at the specially designated picnic areas.
Man-Mo Temple is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong, built in 1848, just after the British took over the island of Hong Kong. Throughout the history of its existence, the temple was rebuilt several times. In China, there are many temples of Man-Mo, built in honor of two gods: Man, the god of literature, and Mo, the god of war. In the Hong Kong temple, you can find both Buddhists, in whose religion there are no gods, and adherents of Taoism, who worship many gods. Once, the Man-Mo temple was a place for resolving conflicts: the disputing parties wrote their promises on yellow paper, and those who did not keep the promise were punished. After that, a chicken was killed, the blood of which was to be spilled on the paper with oaths, the paper was then burned.
A heavy smell of incense constantly hangs in the temple. Visitors can light the incense stick themselves, while there should be three sticks: one for the past, one for the present, and one more for the future. At the entrance there are beautifully executed wooden thrones in the form of small houses. During important holidays, figures of the gods Man and Mo sweep through the streets of Hong Kong. Those who wish to know their future can turn to the numerous soothsayers working at the temple. They make their predictions with a piece of bamboo containing sticks with numbers. The wand that fell first, metaphorically talks about what awaits you in the future. This ritual is able to interest even the most recent skeptic.
Wong Tai Sin Temple.
The Taoist temple Wong Tai Sin was named after a shepherd who had the gift of a healer and who became a follower of Taoism at the age of 15. At 55, he achieved enlightenment and, therefore, immortality. Followers of Taoism believe that the spirit of Wong Tai Sin is able to heal serious ailments, as well as bring happiness and prosperity, therefore, in the temple there is always great amount visitors, especially on major holidays such as Chinese New Year... It becomes especially crowded in the temple on the 23rd day of the 8th Taoist month, on the birthday of Wong Tai Sin. Visitors light incense sticks and, muttering softly, make their deepest desires. If the desire is fulfilled, you must certainly return to the temple to thank the spirit. A picture of Wong Tai Sin hangs at the main altar.
The modern building of the temple is not very old, it was built in 1973 on the site where one temple was already located in 1921. It is a fine example of Chinese temple building with red columns and a golden roof. The temple complex also includes the Wall of Nine Dragons, made in imitation of the famous Beijing wall. As in other temples, there are many fortunetellers at Wong Tai Sin Temple, in addition, here you can find a shop with traditional Chinese medicines. The complex is surrounded by beautiful Chinese gardens, in one of which, Good Wish Garden, you can wish each other all the best.
Ferry Star Ferry.
The Star Ferry is a pleasant way to enjoy the views of Hong Kong from the water. Ferries run between Hong Kong and Kowloon. During the trip, you will get to know the city from a completely different side. The views of the port and the skyline of Hong Kong are truly stunning, making ferry rides a huge hit with tourists. The first ferries from Victoria Harbor began operating at the end of the 19th century. They were slightly smaller than today, with a capacity of approx. 750 passengers. The upper deck of modern ferries belongs to the first class and is equipped with air conditioning to relieve passengers from the heat. The ferry makes four stops: Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai and Hung Hom.
Today, there are other ways to get from Hong Kong Island to the Kowloon Peninsula, such as auto tunnels or subways, but the ferry continues to be wildly popular. Star Ferry transports approx. 70,000 passengers, which is 26 million people a year!
In Hong Kong, you can find a wide variety of gastronomic establishments, but the basis is, nevertheless, restaurants of national cuisine. Local cuisine is characterized by a unique and sometimes unexpected combination of ingredients, which is what makes it so attractive in the eyes of gourmets. Rice is actively used in the preparation of dishes, and vegetables and seafood take pride of place in the diet of local residents.
Delicious noodles are made from rice flour and served with hot sauces. She has become one of the most revered dishes among fans of oriental cuisine. No less popular are dumplings and pastries, which guests will be offered to try in every restaurant. The way of preparing vegetable side dishes is very peculiar. They can not only be grilled and served fresh, but also pickled and salted in soy sauce.
As for meat dishes, on the menu you can often find game cooked in a spicy way, rather than steaks and chops familiar to Europeans. What is used extremely rarely in national cuisine is dairy products. Even the dough for baking, local chefs prefer to cook with water, and it turns out just great. Green tea remains the favorite drink of local residents; more than a hundred varieties of tea can be offered in national restaurants and tea houses. It is accepted to drink it without, travelers usually order pies with fruit filling or soy cakes for tea.
You can try the best dishes of national cuisine in the Causeway bay restaurant, which will delight guests not only with a rich selection of culinary masterpieces, but also with the original design of the hall. Lan Kwai Fong Restaurant serves international cuisine. Interesting entertainment programs and concerts are often held in the evenings. Fans of exotic will like Tsin Shai Tsui restaurant, the menu of which consists exclusively of oriental delicacies.
Local residents are very sensitive to issues related to education. Man with prestigious profession here we are respected by everyone, and teachers are generally considered the wisest people. The indigenous people are inclined to conservative views, they are very hard on any and honor the customs of their ancestors. Even the long-term influence of the West could not break the relationship of the indigenous people to their religion and culture. They adopted all the best from the Europeans, while preserving spiritual values.
Public opinion is very important for city residents. Even people from poor families always arrange magnificent celebrations, and weddings here are completely similar to royal ones, it is so important for people to arouse the admiration of those around them. Hong Kong people are very superstitious due to the influence of old traditions and customs. They believe in fate, study numerology and believe that evil spirits can be the culprits of troubles and misfortunes. In every house you can certainly see religious attributes and talismans, which are necessary to attract good luck. Many national amulets have spread in others, the most striking example is the "money" tree.
Throughout the year, Hong Kong hosts a huge number of interesting holidays, fairs and festivals. So, in February, the Theater Festival starts - the holiday is full of bright ones that take place literally every day. Fans of painting will love the Art Festival, which also takes place in February. Young artists present their works at the festival. As a rule, it ends, where everyone can buy their favorite paintings. Gourmets should visit the Gastronomic Festival, which usually takes place in March. There are more unusual celebrations in Hong Kong, the names of which speak for themselves: the Water Spray Festival, the Lantern Festival and the enchanting Dragon Boat Festival are also popular with tourists.
A modern and populous metropolis, Hong Kong never ceases to amaze its guests with a variety of historical sights and cultural institutions. It will be a great pleasure for vacationers to walk through the Admiralty district, where you can see not only luxurious modern buildings, but also visit attractive restaurants and shopping centers.
Among the natural attractions, the Hong Kong Park deserves attention, on the territory of which, in addition to exotic plants and flowers, you can see beautiful fountains and pools. It also houses the famous Museum of Kitchenware, as well as an amphitheater. The Manh Monastery is located in the historic quarter of Hong Kong. This is a prominent religious site that was built in honor of the ancient gods of literature.
An excursion to the Ocean Garden is very interesting, during which you can not only see the rarest inhabitants of the sea depths, but also relax with the whole family in a beautiful water park. From an architectural point of view, the old St. John`s Cathedral is interesting, the construction of which was completed in 1849. The church was built in colonial times and is one of the most striking European architectural monuments. There is also an old botanical garden in Hong Kong, which was founded more than 150 years ago. Its territory is home to about 300 species of birds, as well as rare plant species.
A striking monument modern architecture is the Peak Tower - a beautiful skyscraper, which houses a variety of shops, restaurants and bars. There is a large observation deck on the roof of the building, which offers an unforgettable view of the city and its surroundings. Another way to get a bird's eye view of the city is to climb Victoria Peak, which is the highest point in Hong Kong. The height of the peak is 552 meters; tourists are brought to the top by a railway funicular. At the top, in addition to several viewing platforms, there are cozy restaurants with open terraces and souvenir shops.
In 2005 took place Grand opening Hong Kong Disneyland amusement park, since then it has become a favorite family holiday destination not only for visitors, but also for locals. A huge selection of attractions, colorful performances and characters from your favorite fairy tales - every visitor to the park will have an unforgettable journey into the world of fairy tales and fantasies. Tram rides are very popular with tourists, during which you can appreciate the grandeur of historical and modern architectural monuments, as well as natural attractions. Hong Kong is a real Mecca for shoppers. There are large-scale shopping malls and colorful open-air markets, some of which are open even at night. You should definitely visit the Goldfish Market and Flower Market.
The prestigious Dragon-I club offers its guests an excellent dance floor, a beautiful outdoor terrace with a bar, an indoor bar with a wide selection of drinks and snacks, as well as several lounges for VIP guests. The Volar club is designed in a futuristic style, and fans of electronic music will like it here. The club often hosts themed parties, so here you can hear music from other progressive directions. Business card the prestigious M1NT nightclub has become a huge crystal chandelier that visitors can see in the lobby. The decoration of the hall also deserves the highest praise. There are beautiful soft sofas, elegant tables, a colorful dance floor, and a large aquarium with sharks, shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow.
1. Most of the locals are fluent in English, so it is quite easy for vacationers to find a "common language" with the local population.
2. It is not customary to leave a tip in cafes and restaurants, but if you wish, you can reward the waiter with an amount of 5-10% of the bill. In a taxi, it is customary to round the bill to the nearest dollar.
3. Most of the large shopping centers and shops (shopping area map) work seven days a week, but banks and others government agencies May be closed on Saturday and Sunday.
4. When visiting some religious sites, photography and filming are prohibited. Also, travelers are not allowed to take pictures of strategically important objects: train station, airport, bridge and other special buildings.
5. It is best for tourists to keep an identity card with them at all times; a driver's license can be an alternative to a passport. On the streets of the city, checks are often carried out, thus the city authorities are fighting illegal immigrants.
6. It is forbidden to smoke in the city in places where a large number of people gather, near large state and cultural institutions. At the same time, next to all major shopping malls, restaurants and bars have designated smoking areas.
7. Hong Kong has a well-developed public transport system, you can get to all interesting sights by buses and metro (map of metro stations). To make travel even easier, you can purchase a city map showing bus routes.
8. One of the most popular souvenirs that travelers bring back from their trip is tea. In local shops, expensive teas are recommended only for those who are really well versed in the types of drink.
Take a taxi and for 2-3 USD drive to the zero mile - the Colonial-style Legco Building of Hong Kong. Why in the Colonial? Because until recently, Hong Kong was a British colony, and in 1912 this building was built by the British. The Hong Kong Government House is a kind of historical monument reminiscent of the city's colonial past.
From here you can walk to the tallest building on the island - the second tower of the International Finance Center (IFC 2) - an international commercial complex. Its height is 412.8 meters, 88 floors. And here it was not without amazing moments: the 14th and 24th floors are not here, because in the local dialect these numbers in pronunciation are close to the phrases "just dead" and "easy to die." The number 8, on the other hand, promises happiness. The upper floors of the building are much higher than the already mentioned Victoria Peak. The skyscraper is located along the Hong Kong coastline.
Here you can catch the Star Ferry, which will take you to the mainland of Hong Kong - Kowloon. Turning right after exiting the ferry, you will find yourself on the world-famous Avenue of Stars - an analogue of the Hollywood Alley of the same name, opened by the idea of the Hong Kong Tourism Commission in 2003. We can read the names of the most famous people from all over the world.
Symphony of Lights - Unmissable
From here, be sure to check out the Symphony of Lights laser show, the most exciting and famous laser show in the world. It takes place in the business center of the city, connecting the walls and roofs of twenty skyscrapers at the same time with bright rays. The show takes place every day at 8 pm.
Most likely, here you will have to end your trip to Hong Kong: the day is drawing to a close. But believe that such a day will be the richest and most memorable in your life: you have visited all the most famous places of the city. After all, there are few places where you can see so much beauty in 24 hours. This is what makes Hong Kong different from many cities, even the most popular among tourists.
61. Skyscrapers of Hong Kong
Sources of
Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia, WikiPedia
hong-kong.ru - Portal about Hong Kong
orangesmile.com - Orange Smile
countries.turistua.com - Best Tour Search
"Pearl of the East" or "Asian New York" are popular trivial names for Hong Kong.
The very name "Hong Kong" (香港, in Mandarin Chinese it sounds like "Xianggang", in Cantonese - "Hyeongkong") literally means "fragrant harbor." Incense and aromatic wood products were once traded here.
Today Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, located on the southeast coast of China and covers an area of 1,104 square kilometers. Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial, banking and shopping centers.
History of Hong Kong
In 1842, Hong Kong was captured by the British and was a British colony until 1997, when the PRC received sovereignty over the territory. Hong Kong has been granted broad autonomy through 2047 under the Hong Kong Basic Law and the Sino-British Joint Declaration. A special direction of development is called “One country, two systems”. During the current treaty, the PRC's Central People's Government is responsible for the area's defense and foreign policy, while Hong Kong itself exercises control over legislation, law enforcement, the monetary system, duties and immigration policy, and independently represents itself in international organizations and events.
Geography of Hong Kong
The entire territory is usually divided into four parts: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, New Territories and Outlying Islands. In total, the region has 262 islands, the largest of which is Lantau Island, and the second largest and first in population is Hong Kong Island. The prosperous island is the center of economics, politics and entertainment. Kowloon is another thriving part of the area, where Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok are the most popular destinations.
Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula are separated by the never dormant sea artery - Victoria Harbor. Victoria is considered to be one of the deepest natural seaports in the world. The New Territories and the Outlying Islands are ideal places to spend a peaceful vacation in one of nature.
Population and religion in Hong Kong
According to 2013 estimates, the population of the whole of Hong Kong was 7,182,724 people and the majority of the inhabitants (about 97% of the population) are Chinese. Due to the long exposure to English culture, Hong Kongers are not like ordinary Chinese. The locals speak Cantonese and Chinese. English language... The most common religions here are Buddhism and Christianity.
Weather and climate in Hong Kong
Subtropical Hong Kong has four distinct seasons - warm and humid springs, hot and rainy summers, pleasant and sunny autumn, cool and dry winters. In general, the air temperature here all year round good.
However, due to tropical cyclones of varying strength and occasional squally thunderstorms between May and November and typhoons in September, it is best not to visit Hong Kong during these periods. The ideal travel season is late autumn, from October to Christmas time. If you happen to visit Hong Kong during typhoon season, then don't go too far when a typhoon level 3 or less warning is issued. Stay indoors when it's taller. All shops and banks are closed when a Level 8 Typhoon warning occurs.
Average temperature in Hong Kong in C
Visa for Hong Kong
For many countries, Hong Kong has a visa-free regime. If you are a citizen of Russia and want to visit Hong Kong to visit someone or travel, or for another purpose unrelated to commercial activities, then you have the option of visa-free entry to Hong Kong for a period not exceeding 14 days.
Hong Kong landmarks
Hong Kong is filled with amazing places from Victoria Peak with stunning harbor views to the quiet, sedate Big Buddha on Lantau Island. In addition to modern attractions, Hong Kong is rich in culture, where East meets West and old temples can be found amid endless modern skyscrapers.
Deciding where to go and what to see will also depend on how long your trip to Hong Kong lasts. To take your time to visit only the most popular sights will take about 5-7 days. Quickly see all the sights of Hong Kong in 2 or 3 days - not very good good idea, because you will not be able to enjoy them properly, and in the end you will be completely exhausted. If you only have 2 or 3 days to spend in Hong Kong, then it is better to choose a few attractions of significant interest to you and take your time to visit them.
Hong Kong has so many vibrant, quirky and fascinating places that it can be called one big attraction. A list of the most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong is presented below. These places, in any order, can form the backbone of your itinerary if you have a few days to enjoy the great Hong Kong.
Top Ten Popular Attractions in Hong Kong
1. Victoria Peak
Rising just over 550 meters above sea level, Victoria Peak offers breathtaking views of Hong Kong and its port, day and night. You will have a unique opportunity to take a walk to the top of the peak on a special tram. At the peak there is a tower that houses many shops, restaurants, Madame Tussauds, and at the top is an observation deck.
2. Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island
To see a large open bronze statue of Buddha, take the subway to Tung Chung station on Lantau Island, and then take the cable car to the Ngong Ping plateau. The 34-meter Big Buddha statue, with a colossal mass of more than 250 tons, is an amazing Buddhist landmark. The face of the Buddha is covered with a layer of gold. To get to the Buddha statue and see an unforgettable view of the surrounding landscape, you need to climb 268 steps to the top. This place is one of the most visited in Hong Kong and is always quite crowded here.
Po Lin Monastery is also located on the Ngong Ping Plateau and is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Hong Kong. Built in 1924, Po Lin Monastery (Precious Lotus) is a vibrant building with a large bell located in the monastery's three-story exhibition hall. Visitors can stay overnight at the temple and also enjoy vegetarian options.
3. Temple Street
Shopaholics will find it useful to visit the Temple Street Market on the Kowloon Peninsula, which is named after the famous Tin Hau Temple. Temple Street comes alive at night, when hordes of tourists and customers gather to buy clothes, electronics and other items. The market is just over half a kilometer long. Visitors can ask a fortune teller, listen to street singers, or simply sample Chinese food from local food stalls, cafes and restaurants.
4. Ocean Park
The Ocean Park is an integral part of the children's entertainment program. Hong Kong Ocean Park is one of the largest amusement parks and even more popular than the local Disneyland. The park is located in the southern region of Hong Kong Island and has nearly five million visitors a year. The Ocean Park offers a wide range of activities, from spectacular slides to shark and dolphin aquariums. You can get to it by taking bus number 629 at the Admiralty.
5. Qianshuiwan
For sunbathers, the excellent Qianshuiwan Beach is one of the best beaches in Hong Kong. Qianshuiwan, with its high-end apartments, shopping malls and fine dining, is a quieter beach than beaches in other parts of Hong Kong.
6. Stanley
Stanley is a small town in the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island. Historically, Stanley was temporarily used by the British for their administrative headquarters after the annexation of Hong Kong in 1842. During World War II, Stanley became the last area in which British and Canadian forces surrendered to the Japanese. Stanley's main attractions today are Stanley Market, two beaches, Stanley Main Street with waterfront bars and restaurants, Stanley Prison, Murray House, which includes the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and Stanley Plaza.
7. Avenue of Stars
The Avenue of Stars is located on the north side of Victoria Harbor and is only 400 meters long. The alley was opened on April 28, 2004. Currently, the Alley has over a hundred stars dedicated to prominent figures in the cinema of Hong Kong and China. It offers a gorgeous view of the bay and the evening "Symphony of Lights" .
8. Disneyland
Disneyland is a major attraction for children and families. The amusement park opened in September 2005 and is based on Lantau Island. Disneyland can be reached by bus, taxi, or subway exiting at Sunny Bay Station. Hong Kong Disneyland is very similar to other Disneylands around the world with a variety of entertainment shows and attractions for visitors of all ages.
9. Mong Kok
Mong Kok is located in the center of Kowloon and is the largest shopping center cities. Mong Kok sparkles with neon lights and has a very lively atmosphere. Huge crowds of teenagers and locals, heaps of shops, restaurants and markets such as the famous flower market and women's market are located here. The area has an unenviable reputation for triads roaming and gambling. This is a very common occurrence here, so you should not be afraid of them.
10. Women's market
The Women's Market is located in Mong Kok on Tung Choi Street between Boundary and Dundas Streets. The Women's Market is probably the most famous market in Hong Kong for its variety. women's clothing as well as a wide range of accessories, electronics and beauty supplies.
Hong Kong hotels
Hong Kong has two centers: the western part of Hong Kong Island and the northern part of the Kowloon Peninsula. So, by choosing a hotel in these places, you can easily find any place, however, if you settle not in the center, you can also easily get where you need to, because the public transport system and taxis operate very quickly.
Pay attention to the Colone Peninsula hotels, sometimes they are even more optimal in terms of location and price / quality ratio than hotels on the island of Hong Kong itself.
When choosing a hotel, carefully look at the size of the room and where the windows face, because in inexpensive hotels or rooms they can go out into a backyard or run into the wall of a nearby skyscraper. If you want to have a gorgeous view from the window, then focus on hotels that provide Harbor View or Sea View rooms.
Book your hotel 1-2 months before arrival. Then you can find hotels with great discounts. The average price per night in a Hong Kong hotel is approximately $ 120-140. However, you can find an option for $ 100, and even for $ 30 in hotels with Pakistanis and Indians. However, the quality of services here will be at the appropriate level.
Offshore Hong Kong
Nowadays, offshore companies are a profitable tool for expanding business, for optimizing taxation and disposal of assets. Offshore enterprises are created in zones with tax-free or preferential tax regime. Hong Kong is one of the most popular offshore companies.
Hong Kong is a prestigious jurisdiction that belongs to the three largest financial centers in the world. Unlike classic offshore zones, a company in Hong Kong provides an opportunity, without any obstacles, to conduct business around the world. Due to its geographic location, the Hong Kong offshore zone is the most convenient for doing business in the Asia-Pacific region. Entrepreneurs from all over the world are attracted by Hong Kong's economic, banking and political stability.
Due to the territorial principle, taxation in Hong Kong differs significantly from the taxation of classic offshore companies. Thus, in the event that an enterprise receives profits from non-residents of Hong Kong or does business outside of Hong Kong, the activities of the enterprise are not taxed.
Benefits of a Hong Kong offshore:
- no capital gains tax;
- no tax on dividends;
- no value added tax;
- no tax on sales made.
Company registration in Hong Kong
In the concept of "registering a company in Hong Kong" is the creation of trading companies, holding or investment organizations.
Since Hong Kong is a very attractive offshore zone, many foreign entrepreneurs wish to register their company here. According to statistics for 2014, Hong Kong was ranked 3rd in the world ranking of ease of doing business.
Private Limited Company or Limited Liability Company is the most popular type of company for international business and investment. If you have no experience in opening companies abroad, then it is better to contact a professional company that knows the legislation and the specifics of doing business in Hong Kong. In particular, our company has extensive experience in providing such services.
Virtual office in Hong Kong
For small and medium-sized businesses, it may seem like a costly affair to open a company in Hong Kong. For such entrepreneurs, the modern "virtual (remote) office" service is convenient. This service includes:
- creation of a business address for the organization to receive correspondence;
- getting a virtual phone number;
- forwarding mail and receiving faxes;
- IT support;
- creation of corporate websites;
- rental of conference rooms for business meetings;
- other necessary services.
Our company also offers an organization remote office in China or Hong Kong, providing a wide range of services, which you can find in more detail here.
Exhibitions in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has established itself as one of the world's leading and most vibrant exhibition venues. The number and variety of exhibitions, fairs and conventions continues to grow here. Some of Hong Kong's exhibitions and fairs are the largest of their kind in the entire world.
Hong Kong has two world-class exhibition centers: (HKCEC) at Wanchai and AsiaWorld Expo (AWE) on Lantau Island.
Upcoming major Hong Kong exhibitions in 2015:
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
|
Title and short description |
Frequency |
the date of the |
|
LEARNING & TEACHING EXPO. The Education and Teaching Exhibition each time attracts more than 6,000 educators interested in the latest developments and educational technologies for educational institutions. |
Unknown |
24.09 - 25.09 2015 |
|
WATCHES & WONDERS. The exhibition is dedicated to the culture, knowledge and heritage of watchmaking. |
Annually |
30.09 - 03.10 2015 |
|
International Trade Fair featuring bags, shoes, leather goods and fashion accessories. |
Twice a year |
07.10 - 09.10 2015 |
|
CASHMERE WORLD. International Cashmere Trade Show. This exhibition is a catalyst for fashion trends and innovative technologies as well as a place to promote the unique qualities that make cashmere one of the world's most loved and luxurious materials. |
Once a year |
07.10 - 09.10 2015 |
|
Electronic Asia. International Exhibition for the Production of Electronics, Components and Aggregates. |
Once a year |
13.10 - 16.10 2015 |
|
HONG KONG ELECTRONICS FAIR. Marketplace for home appliances, electronics, audio / video and multimedia. |
Twice a year |
13.10 - 16.10 2015 |
|
HONG KONG MEGA SHOW PART 1. Exhibition of toys, gifts, and household goods. |
Once a year |
20.10 - 23.10 2015 |
|
HONG KONG MEGA SHOW PART 2. Exhibition of toys, gifts, and household goods. |
Once a year |
27.10 - 29.10 2015 |
|
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL LIGHTING FAIR. International Lighting Exhibition. |
Twice a year |
27.10 - 30.10 2015 |
|
HONG KONG OPTICAL FAIR. Optics Manufacturers Exhibition. |
Once a year |
03.11 - 05.11 2015 |
|
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS FAIR. The exhibition offers a wide range of high quality wine, beer and others alcoholic beverages as well as their production, logistics and services for buyers from all over the world. |
Once a year |
05.11 - 07.11 2015 |
|
VINITALY INTERNATIONAL HONG KONG. International Exhibition of Wine and Other Alcoholic Beverages. |
Once a year |
05.11 - 07.11 2015 |
|
HONG KONG WEDDING EXPO. Wedding exhibition. |
Once a year |
06.11 - 08.11 2015 |
|
WEDDING EXPO HONG KONG. Wedding exhibition. |
Three times a year |
06.11 - 08.11 2015 |
|
HONG KONG WEDDING BANQUET EXPO. Exhibition of wedding banquets. |
Three times a year |
06.11 - 08.11 2015 |
|
COSMOPROF ASIA. International Exhibition of Perfumery and Cosmetics. |
Once a year |
11.11 - 13.11 2015 |
|
ACP - ASIA COMMUNICATIONS AND PHOTONICS CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION. Asian Conference and Exhibition of Communications and Photonics. |
Once a year |
19.11 - 23.11 2015 |
|
HKIJMS - HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL JEWELRY MANUFACTURERS "SHOW. International exhibition of jewelry manufacturers and platform for their direct sale. |
Once a year |
26.11 - 29.11 2015 |
|
INNO DESIGN TECH EXPO. Provides a unique opportunity for creative and technical professionals to exchange ideas and bring them to life. |
Once a year |
03.12 - 05.12 2015 |
|
AGRIPRO ASIA. Asian Agricultural Products and Marketing Exhibition. |
Once a year |
03.12 - 05.12 2015 |
|
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL BAKERY EXPO. International Exhibition of Bakery Products. |
Once a year |
03.12 - 05.12 2015 |
|
CINEASIA. Equipment and technologies for the film industry. |
Once a year |
08.12 - 10.12 2015 |
|
CHRISTMAS WEDDING EXPO. Wedding exhibition. |
Once a year |
11.12 - 13.12 2015 |
|
HONG KONG MEGA SHOWCASE. This is a Christmas exhibition. Shopping enthusiasts make huge profits here every year. |
Once a year |
24.12 - 27.12 2015 |
|
HONG KONG FOOD FESTIVAL. The Hong Kong Food Festival brings together excellent wine producers from around the world. |
Once a year |
24.12 - 28.12 2015 |
|
Hong Kong Auto Show. It will feature sports cars, SUVs, small cars, vintage and antique cars, motorcycles, concept cars, auto parts, hybrid cars and other vehicles. |
Unknown |
24.12 - 27.12 2015 |
|
E-EXPO. Hong Kong Electronics Show. The exhibition presents electronic digital products, smart appliances and home entertainment products, AV equipment, digital cameras, professional cameras, lenses, accessories. |
Unknown |
24.12 - 27.12 2015 |
|
AAE ASIA ADULT EXPO. Products for adults. |
Once a year |
27.12 - 29.12 2015 |
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center
|
Title and short description |
Frequency |
the date of the |
|
GLOBAL SOURCES ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS SHOW HONG KONG. Fair of electronics and accessories. |
Twice a year |
11.10 - 14.10 2015 |
|
GLOBAL SOURCES SECURITY PRODUCTS SHOW HONG KONG. Security Technology Fair. |
Twice a year |
11.10 - 14.10 2015 |
|
GLOBAL SOURCES HOME PRODUCTS SHOW HONG KONG. Household goods fair. Shown here are: ovenware and kitchenware, bathroom accessories, glassware and ceramics, Appliances, home decor, home textiles and other household goods. |
Twice a year |
18.10 - 21.10 2015 |
|
GLOBAL SOURCES GIFTS & PREMIUMS SHOW HONG KONG. The exhibition is dedicated to gifts. |
Twice a year |
18.10 - 20.10 2015 |
|
GLOBAL SOURCES MOBILE ELECTRONICS SHOW HONG KONG. Fair of the latest smartphones, tablets, portable devices and accessories from China, Korea and other Asian countries. |
Twice a year |
18.10 - 21.10 2015 |
|
GLOBAL SOURCES FASHION ACCESSORIES & FOOTWEAR SHOW HONG KONG. Exhibition of Fashion Accessories and Shoes. Fashion bags, jewelry, scarves and shawls, glasses, belts, gloves and other accessories. |
Twice a year |
27.10 - 30.10 2015 |
|
GLOBAL SOURCES UNDERWEAR & SWIMWEAR SHOW HONG KONG. Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition. |
Twice a year |
27.10 - 30.10 2015 |
|
GLOBAL SOURCES FASHION APPAREL & FABRICS SHOW HONG KONG. Fabrics, underwear and pajamas, swimwear, sports and casual wear, children's clothing, sweaters and knitwear and much more. |
Twice a year |
27.10 - 30.10 2015 |
|
ECO EXPO ASIA. Fair dedicated to the protection of the environment. |
Once a year |
28.10 - 31.10 2015 |
|
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL BUILDING MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FAIR. International Fair of Building Materials and Equipment. |
Once a year |
28.10 - 31.10 2015 |
|
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE & HOME IMPROVEMENT FAIR. International Trade Fair for Furnishings and Interior Design. |
Once a year |
28.10 - 31.10 2015 |
You can “virtually” visit any exhibition you are interested in by contacting our company.
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Decorative painting in kindergarten "magic curl" is a joint activity of the teacher and
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Synopsis of the organization and conduct of classes on cognitive development in the second junior group "Bird feeder
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New professions Where to get information about the right specialists
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Plasticine diplodocus. Sculpting lesson. How to easily make basic shapes from plasticine: a ball, cone, cylinder, plait, brick How to make a cylinder from plasticine
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