History of Hong Kong in Timeline

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, located on China's southern coast. It comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. With a population of 7.5 million within a 1,114-square-kilometre area, it's one of the world's most densely populated regions.

1904: Hong Kong Tramways servicing since

Hong Kong Tramways began servicing Hong Kong since 1904.

1911: Founding of the University of Hong Kong

In 1911, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) was founded as the city's first institute of higher education during the early colonial period.

1924: Kai Tak Airport began operation

In 1924, Kai Tak Airport began operation in Hong Kong.

1925: Canton-Hong Kong strike

In 1925, the colony avoided a prolonged economic downturn after the Canton-Hong Kong strike.

1926: Official adoption of "Hong Kong" name

In 1926, the government officially adopted the two-word name "Hong Kong", after it was commonly written as the single word Hongkong.

1937: Hong Kong declared a neutral zone

In 1937, at the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Governor Geoffry Northcote declared Hong Kong a neutral zone to safeguard its status as a free port.

1940: Evacuation of British citizens

In 1940, the colonial government prepared for a possible attack and evacuated all British women and children.

December 1941: Japanese Attack on Hong Kong

On December 8, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Army attacked Hong Kong, coinciding with the attack on Pearl Harbor.

1941: Hong Kong occupied by Japan

In 1941, Hong Kong was occupied by Japan during World War II.

August 1945: British resumed control of Hong Kong

On August 30, 1945, the British resumed control of Hong Kong, ending almost four years of Japanese occupation.

1945: End of Japanese Occupation

In 1945, the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong ended as World War II concluded.

1949: Influx of refugees

In 1949, more refugees crossed the border when the Chinese Communist Party took control of mainland China, leading to population rebound in Hong Kong after the war.

1952: Participation in Summer Olympics

Since 1952, Hong Kong has participated in almost every Summer Olympics.

1961: Increase in Hong Kong's GDP since 1961

Between 1961 and 1997, Hong Kong's gross domestic product increased by a factor of 180, and per capita GDP increased by a factor of 87.

1963: Establishment of The Chinese University of Hong Kong

In 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) was established to fill the need for a university that taught using Chinese as its primary language of instruction.

1967: Hong Kong riots

In 1967, pro-PRC protestors clashed with the British colonial government in the Hong Kong riots, resulting in 51 deaths and 802 injuries.

1972: Release of 'The Way of the Dragon'

In 1972, Bruce Lee's film 'The Way of the Dragon' was released, leading to local productions gaining popularity outside of Hong Kong.

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1975: Last reported snowfall on Tai Mo Shan

In 1975, the last reported instance of snowfall in Hong Kong occurred on Tai Mo Shan.

1976: Revival of Dragon Boat Races

In 1976, dragon boat races were revived as a modern sport as part of the Tourism Board's efforts to promote Hong Kong's image abroad.

1978: Start of market liberalisation on the mainland

Economic and infrastructure integration with China has increased significantly since the 1978 start of market liberalisation on the mainland.

1979: MacLehose raised the question of Hong Kong's status

In 1979, Governor Murray MacLehose raised the question of Hong Kong's status with Deng Xiaoping.

1979: Resumption of cross-boundary train service

Since resumption of cross-boundary train service in 1979, many rail and road links have been improved and constructed, facilitating trade between regions.

1984: Sino-British Joint Declaration

In 1984, the Sino-British Joint Declaration agreed to the handover of Hong Kong in 1997 and guaranteed its economic and political systems for 50 years.

1987: Peak of mass emigration

From 1987 to 1996, over half a million people left the territory during the peak migration period.

1989: Tiananmen Square protests

Annual commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre were also cancelled amidst fears of violating the national security law.

August 1990: Record highest daily minimum temperature

On August 18, 1990, the record highest daily minimum temperature at the Hong Kong Observatory was 30.1 °C (86.2 °F).

1991: Establishment of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

In 1991, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was established.

1993: Hong Kong's GDP relative to mainland China

In 1993, Hong Kong's GDP relative to mainland China's peaked at 27%.

1993: First International Dragon Boat Race

In 1993, overseas teams began competing in the first international dragon boat race.

1994: Last Appearance in the Commonwealth Games

In 1994, Hong Kong made its last appearance in the Commonwealth Games.

1994: University Status for PolyU and CityU

In 1994, both The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and City University of Hong Kong (CityU) were granted university status.

1995: 1995 Dynasty Cup

In 1995, Hong Kong hosted the Dynasty Cup.

1995: Legislative Council became fully elected

In 1995, the Legislative Council became a fully elected legislature for the first time.

1996: Peak of mass emigration

From 1987 to 1996, over half a million people left the territory during the peak migration period.

1996: First Olympic Gold Medal

In 1996, Lee Lai-shan won Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics.

July 1997: Handover of Hong Kong to China

In July 1997, the handover of Hong Kong to China occurred at midnight, marking the end of 156 years of British rule.

1997: Peak GDP Relative to Mainland China

Between 1961 and 1997, Hong Kong's gross domestic product increased by a factor of 180, and per capita GDP increased by a factor of 87.

1997: Asian financial crisis

Immediately after the handover, in 1997, the Hong Kong government was forced to use substantial foreign exchange reserves to maintain the Hong Kong dollar's currency peg during the Asian financial crisis.

1997: University Status for Hong Kong Metropolitan University

In 1997, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (formerly as Open University of Hong Kong) attained full university status.

1997: Percentage of China's trade goods routed through Hong Kong

In 1997, half of China's trade goods were routed through Hong Kong.

1997: Handover of Hong Kong to China

In 1997, the United Kingdom handed over Hong Kong to China, marking the end of British colonial rule.

1998: Closure of Kai Tak International Airport

In 1998, Kai Tak International Airport ended its operation, and Hong Kong International Airport became the territory's primary airport.

1999: University Status for Lingnan University

In 1999, Lingnan University attained full university status.

2003: Archaeological investigation in Wong Tei Tung

In 2003, an archaeological investigation in Wong Tei Tung, Sai Kung, revealed knapped stone tools from deposits dated using optical luminescence dating, suggesting human traces from 35,000 to 39,000 years ago.

2003: SARS epidemic

In 2003, the SARS epidemic caused the territory's most serious economic downturn.

2006: University Status for Hong Kong Shue Yan University

In 2006, Hong Kong Shue Yan University attained full university status.

2007: 2007 Premier League Asia Trophy

In 2007, Hong Kong hosted the Premier League Asia Trophy.

2008: 2008 Summer Olympics Equestrian Events

In 2008, Hong Kong hosted the equestrian events for the Summer Olympics.

2009: 2009 East Asian Games

In 2009, Hong Kong hosted the East Asian Games.

2014: Umbrella Revolution

In 2014, the central government's decision to implement nominee pre-screening before allowing chief executive elections triggered a series of protests known as the Umbrella Revolution.

2015: Percentage of China's trade goods routed through Hong Kong decreased

By 2015, the percentage of China's trade goods routed through Hong Kong decreased to about 13%.

January 2016: Lowest recorded temperature at Tai Mo Shan

On January 24, 2016, the lowest recorded temperature in all of Hong Kong was −6.0 °C (21.2 °F) at Tai Mo Shan.

2016: Tourism Revenue

In 2016, 26.6 million visitors contributed HK$258 billion (US$32.9 billion) to Hong Kong's economy.

2016: University Status for Education University of Hong Kong

In 2016, Education University of Hong Kong attained full university status.

2016: Legislative Council elections and disqualifications

In 2016, discrepancies in the electoral registry and disqualification of elected legislators after the Legislative Council elections raised concerns about the region's autonomy.

2016: Legislative Council election

In the 2016 election, twenty-two political parties had representatives elected to the Legislative Council.

August 2017: Record high temperature

On August 22, 2017, the historic temperature extreme at the Hong Kong Observatory was 36.6 °C (97.9 °F). The highest recorded temperature in all of Hong Kong was 39.0 °C (102 °F) at Wetland Park on August 22, 2017.

2017: Decline in Film Production

By 2017, the number of films produced annually in Hong Kong had declined to approximately 60, marking a shift in industry momentum towards mainland China.

2017: Hong Kong's GDP relative to mainland China decreased

In 2017, Hong Kong's GDP relative to mainland China's fell to less than 3%, as the mainland developed and liberalised its economy.

December 2018: Market capitalization of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

As of December 2018, the market capitalization of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was HK$30.4 trillion (US$3.87 trillion).

2018: University Status for Hang Seng University of Hong Kong

In 2018, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong attained full university status.

June 2019: Mass protests against extradition bill

In June 2019, mass protests erupted in response to a proposed extradition amendment bill permitting the extradition of fugitives to mainland China, marking the largest protests in Hong Kong's history.

2019: Large-scale protests

In response to large-scale protests in 2019 and 2020, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed the controversial Hong Kong national security law.

June 2020: National Anthem Ordinance passed

In June 2020, the Legislative Council passed the National Anthem Ordinance, criminalizing "insults to the national anthem of China".

June 2020: Suspension of extradition treaties

In June 2020, the imposition of the Hong Kong national security law by Beijing led to the suspension of bilateral extradition treaties by several countries.

July 2020: US ends preferential treatment of Hong Kong

In July 2020, the United States ended its preferential economic and trade treatment of Hong Kong.

September 2020: Waterspout at Hong Kong International Airport

On September 26, 2020, a waterspout occurred at Hong Kong International Airport.

October 2020: Arrests of pro-democracy politicians

In October 2020, the Hong Kong Police arrested seven pro-democracy politicians over tussles with pro-Beijing politicians in the Legislative Council.

November 2020: Proposed Law Restricting Cryptocurrency Trading

In November 2020, Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau proposed a new law that will restrict cryptocurrency trading to professional investors only.

2020: Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 2020, Cheung Ka Long won Hong Kong's second Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.

2020: Sharp Decline in Visitors

Since 2020, there has been a sharp decline in incoming visitors due to tight COVID-19 travel restrictions.

March 2021: Amendments to Hong Kong's electoral system

In March 2021, the Chinese central government introduced amendments to Hong Kong's electoral system, including the reduction of directly elected seats in the Legislative Council and the requirement for candidate vetting.

March 2021: Electoral system changes

In March 2021, the Chinese central government unilaterally changed Hong Kong's electoral system and established the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee.

July 2021: Guinness World Record

On July 30 2021, Hong Kong Tramways held the Guinness World Record as the "Largest double-decker tram fleet in service", with a fleet of 165 double-decker trams.

2021: Median household income increase

Although median household income steadily increased during the decade to 2021, the wage gap in Hong Kong remained high, with the 90th percentile of earners receiving 41% of all income.

2021: Trading entity rankings

In 2021, Hong Kong was the ninth largest trading entity in exports and eighth largest in imports.

2021: Population Estimate

In 2021, the Census and Statistics Department estimated Hong Kong's population at 7,413,070. The majority were Han Chinese, with a smaller percentage of non-ethnic Chinese minorities.

2021: Name change for Hong Kong Metropolitan University

In 2021, the Open University of Hong Kong was renamed as Hong Kong Metropolitan University.

December 2022: Polling on Hong Kong Identity

In December 2022, polling data revealed how residents identify themselves: 32% as "Hongkongers", 34.1% as "Hongkongers in China", 45.9% with a "Mixed Identity", 20.5% as "Chinese", and 11.9% as "Chinese in Hong Kong".

2022: Cease of Airline operations

Due to the closure of Russian airspace in 2022, multiple airlines decided to cease their operations in Hong Kong.

2022: Hong Kong Tramways rideship

In 2022, Hong Kong Tramways had a rideship of 42,558.

2022: Life expectancy in Hong Kong

In 2022, life expectancy in Hong Kong was 81.3 years for males and 87.2 years for females, which is among the highest in the world.

May 2023: Legislation to reduce directly elected seats in district councils

In May 2023, the Legislative Council introduced legislation to reduce the number of directly elected seats in the district councils, and established a District Council Eligibility Review Committee to vet candidates.

May 2023: Reforms proposed to District Council electoral system

In May 2023, the government proposed reforms to the District Council electoral system, cutting the number of directly elected seats and introducing a candidate vetting committee.

July 2023: District Council electoral system reforms approved

In July 2023, the Legislative Council approved the reforms to the District Council electoral system.

2023: Birth rate in Hong Kong

In 2023, the birth rate in Hong Kong was 0.751 per woman of child-bearing age.

2023: Give away free airline tickets

In an attempt to attract tourists back to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong government announced plans to give away 500,000 free airline tickets in 2023. Hong Kong was the most visited city internationally in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023.

February 2024: "One country, two systems" principle

In February 2024, Xia Baolong, the head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said that the "one country, two systems" principle would be kept permanently.

July 2024: Closure of cross-boundary train service

On July 31 2024, cross-boundary train service to Shenzhen was officially closed by the State Council, as announced by the General Administration of Customs.

September 2024: Tornado at Victoria Harbour

On September 28, 2024, a tornado occurred at Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong.

2024: Hybrid regime

As of 2024, Hong Kong is governed by a hybrid regime that is not fully representative of the population.

2024: Classified as an "Alpha+" city

As of 2024, Hong Kong was classified as an "Alpha+" city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.

2024: District Council seats

As of 2024, there are a total of 470 district council seats, 88 of which are directly elected.

2024: University Status for Saint Francis University

In 2024, Saint Francis University attained full university status.

2024: Government Looks into Legalizing Ride-Hailing Services

In 2024, the Hong Kong government looked into legalizing unlicensed ride-hailing services like Uber.

2024: Safeguarding National Security Ordinance passed

In 2024, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council, granting officials power to prosecute crimes such as treason and insurrection.

2025: Innovation Ranking

In 2025, Hong Kong was ranked as the 15th most innovative territory in the Global Innovation Index.

2047: Future of Hong Kong governance debated

The Joint Declaration guarantees the Basic Law of Hong Kong for 50 years after the handover. It does not specify how Hong Kong will be governed after 2047.