History – Hong Kong
Hong Kong came into existence with the defeat of China’s Qing dynasty in the First Opium War in 1842. The island was ceded to Britain with some other areas and about 235 remote Islands at the surrounded regions. If we look at its history with a closer perspective then the now Hong Kong predates the events of the Qing dynasty by more than a thousand years. This significant history of the city can be well explored via its colorful heritage. Each of the heritage edifices has fascinating legends related to powerful clans, marauding pirates and European traders. When it served as the British colony, and even before that it affirmed to be a significant centre of international trade.
In the late 19th and early 20thcentury, there were some turbulent years which witnessed the immigration of refugees mostly from China. This sudden bolstering of immigrants transformed the role of this city to be a major manufacturing hub. This changed role of being a manufacturing hub stimulated the city economically and helped building up the city’s character. Since then, the city worked towards its reinforcement. The recent decades witnessed the economy of Mainland China which underwent a process of opening up. This led to the transformation of the city yet again. This time the city transformed itself into a service-based economy as well as an important gateway to the world’s largest market.
It was in 1 July 1997 when Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It was done under the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' which allowed the city to get some privileges including a high degree of autonomy, retaining its capitalist system, independent judiciary and rule of law, free trade and freedom of speech.
With such interesting background of the city, it gives a significant impression that change is a crucial part of its territory. The lively spirit of the city has not even altered a bit despite of its frequent reinventions. It is this vivacious spirit of the city which has now transformed it into one of Asia’s dynamic cities rich culture and heritage.