Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, is one of the world's most densely populated areas, with 7.4 million people residing within its 1,104 square kilometers (426 sq mi).
1911: Establishment of the University of Hong Kong
The year 1911 marked a significant milestone in Hong Kong's educational landscape with the founding of the University of Hong Kong, the territory's first institution of higher education.
1911: Founding of the University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) was founded in 1911, marking the establishment of the city's first institute of higher education during the early colonial era.
1924: Kai Tak Airport Commences Operations
In 1924, Kai Tak Airport was inaugurated, signifying a pivotal step in the development of aviation infrastructure within the region.
1925: Canton-Hong Kong Strike
The years 1925 and 1926 saw a major labor action known as the Canton-Hong Kong strike, which had significant economic and social implications.
1926: Official Adoption of "Hong Kong"
Prior to 1926, the name "Hong Kong" was often written as a single word. However, in 1926, the government officially declared that the two-word form, "Hong Kong," would be the standard.
1937: Hong Kong Declared a Neutral Zone
With the eruption of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, Hong Kong's Governor, Geoffry Northcote, made the decision to declare the territory as a neutral zone in a strategic move to safeguard its status as a free port.
1940: Evacuation of British Women and Children
In 1940, as a precautionary measure in response to the escalating global conflict, the colonial government in Hong Kong made the difficult decision to evacuate British women and children from the territory.
December 1941: Japanese Attack on Hong Kong
On December 8th, 1941, coinciding with the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Imperial Japanese Army launched an attack on Hong Kong.
1941: Japan Occupies Hong Kong During World War II
In 1941, at the onset of World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army invaded and occupied Hong Kong.
August 1945: British Regain Control of Hong Kong
On August 30th, 1945, British forces retook control of Hong Kong, ending the Japanese occupation that began in December 1941.
1949: Communist Party Takes Control of Mainland China
The year 1949 marked a turning point in Chinese history as the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, emerged victorious in the Chinese Civil War and assumed control of mainland China, an event that had significant ramifications for Hong Kong.
1952: Hong Kong's First Summer Olympics Participation
Hong Kong began its history of participating in the Summer Olympics, representing itself separately from mainland China, starting in 1952.
1961: Start of Hong Kong's Economic Transformation
Marking the beginning of a period of remarkable economic transformation, in 1961, Hong Kong embarked on a journey of rapid growth that would see its gross domestic product increase 180-fold by 1997.
1963: Establishment of the Chinese University of Hong Kong
In response to the need for a university that primarily used Chinese as the language of instruction, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) was established in 1963.
1967: Hong Kong 1967 Riots
In 1967, Hong Kong experienced a period of significant unrest marked by the Hong Kong 1967 riots. These riots, rooted in political and social tensions, saw clashes between pro-communist protesters and the British colonial government, resulting in casualties and highlighting the underlying ideological conflicts within the territory.
1972: Bruce Lee's "The Way of the Dragon" Boosts Hong Kong Film Industry
The release of Bruce Lee's iconic martial arts film, "The Way of the Dragon," in 1972 marked a significant moment for the Hong Kong film industry. The film's immense popularity, both locally and internationally, brought widespread recognition to Hong Kong productions and helped solidify the city's status as a major filmmaking hub.
1975: Last reported snowfall in Hong Kong
The last reported instance of snowfall in Hong Kong was on Tai Mo Shan in 1975.
1976: Revival of Dragon Boat Races as a Modern Sport
The first modern dragon boat race was held in 1976, marking the revival of the traditional religious ceremony as a competitive sport.
1978: Start of Market Liberalization in Mainland China
The year 1978 marked a turning point in the economic relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China with the start of market liberalization in the mainland, leading to increased economic and infrastructure integration.
1979: MacLehose Raises Hong Kong Status with Deng Xiaoping
Governor Murray MacLehose, recognizing the approaching expiration of the New Territories lease and its implications for Hong Kong's future, initiated discussions with Deng Xiaoping in 1979 regarding the territory's status. This marked the beginning of a crucial dialogue between the UK and China concerning Hong Kong's fate.
1979: Resumption of Cross-Boundary Train Service
The resumption of cross-boundary train service in 1979 marked a significant step in improving transportation and trade links between Hong Kong and mainland China. This development facilitated closer economic ties and paved the way for increased trade and investment flows.
1984: Sino-British Joint Declaration
A historic agreement known as the Sino-British Joint Declaration was reached in 1984, shaping the future of Hong Kong. Under this agreement, the United Kingdom agreed to return Hong Kong to China in 1997, while China, in turn, pledged to guarantee the preservation of Hong Kong's economic and political systems for a period of 50 years following the handover.
1987: Mass Emigration from Hong Kong
Concerns over Hong Kong's future under Chinese rule led to a wave of mass emigration, commencing in 1987. This exodus of residents, primarily driven by anxieties regarding potential changes in civil liberties, the legal system, and overall quality of life, continued for nearly a decade, peaking between 1987 and 1996.
1989: Tiananmen Square protests and massacre commemoration cancelled
Annual commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre were cancelled due to concerns about violating the national security law.
1991: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Opens its Doors
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was established in 1991, joining HKU and CUHK to become one of the top-ranking universities globally.
1993: First International Dragon Boat Race in Hong Kong
In 1993, Hong Kong hosted its first international dragon boat race, expanding the competition beyond its borders and further promoting the sport globally.
1993: Hong Kong's Manufacturing Economy Dominance
During the latter half of the colonial era, Hong Kong's manufacturing economy thrived, establishing itself as one of the largest in Asia by 1993.
1994: Hong Kong's Final Commonwealth Games Appearance
Hong Kong made its last appearance in the Commonwealth Games in 1994 before ceasing to be a part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
1994: Elevation of PolyU, CityU, and HKBU to University Status
In 1994, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), City University of Hong Kong (CityU), and the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) were all granted full university status, expanding higher education opportunities in the territory.
1995: Inaugural AFC Asian Cup and Dynasty Cup
Hong Kong hosted two major football tournaments in 1995: the inaugural AFC Asian Cup and the Dynasty Cup, showcasing its passion for football and capacity to host international tournaments.
1995: First Fully Elected Legislative Council
In a significant step toward greater autonomy and democratic representation, Hong Kong held its first election for a fully elected Legislative Council in 1995. This landmark event marked a pivotal moment in the territory's political development, empowering local voices in the decision-making process.
1996: End of Peak Emigration Period
By 1996, the peak period of mass emigration from Hong Kong drew to a close. This period, marked by significant outflow of residents concerned about the impending handover to China, had a profound impact on the territory's demographics and social fabric.
1996: Lee Lai-shan Wins Hong Kong's First Olympic Gold
At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Lee Lai-shan made history by winning Hong Kong's first-ever Olympic gold medal.
July 1997: Handover of Hong Kong to China
July 1997 marked the end of British rule in Hong Kong and the beginning of Chinese sovereignty. This historic handover ceremony signified a new era for the territory.
1997: Handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China
After being under British rule for 156 years, Hong Kong was formally handed over to China in 1997.
1997: Mainland China Trade Routed Through Hong Kong
In 1997, approximately half of China's trade goods were routed through Hong Kong.
1997: Asian Financial Crisis Impacts Hong Kong
Shortly after the handover, Hong Kong found itself grappling with the repercussions of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. This economic turmoil posed a significant challenge to the newly established Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, forcing it to tap into its foreign exchange reserves to maintain the Hong Kong dollar's peg to the US dollar.
1997: Peak of Hong Kong's GDP Relative to Mainland China
In 1997, Hong Kong's gross domestic product relative to mainland China's reached its peak at 27%.
2003: Archaeological Discovery in Wong Tei Tung
An archaeological investigation conducted in Wong Tei Tung, Sai Kung in 2003 unearthed evidence suggesting human presence in what is now Hong Kong, dating back to 35,000 to 39,000 years ago.
2003: SARS Epidemic Hits Hong Kong
The year 2003 brought about a severe health crisis in the form of the SARS epidemic, significantly impacting Hong Kong's economy and daily life. This outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) presented a formidable challenge to the city's healthcare system and had long-lasting effects on its economic recovery.
2007: Premier League Asia Trophy in Hong Kong
Hong Kong hosted the Premier League Asia Trophy in 2007, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for international sporting events.
2008: Hong Kong Hosts Olympic Equestrian Events
In 2008, Hong Kong played a significant role in the Summer Olympics by hosting the equestrian events, highlighting its capabilities in organizing international sporting competitions.
2009: East Asian Games in Hong Kong
Hong Kong hosted the East Asian Games in 2009, showcasing its sporting infrastructure and capabilities on a regional stage.
2014: Umbrella Revolution
The year 2014 saw the emergence of the Umbrella Revolution, a series of protests that captivated Hong Kong and drew global attention. These demonstrations, characterized by the use of umbrellas as symbols of resistance, were sparked by the Chinese government's decision to implement a pre-screening process for candidates in the Chief Executive election, raising concerns about electoral freedom and democratic values.
2015: Decline in Mainland China Trade Routed Through Hong Kong
By 2015, the percentage of China's trade goods routed through Hong Kong had dropped significantly to about 13%.
January 2016: Lowest recorded temperature in Hong Kong
The lowest recorded temperature in Hong Kong's history was −6.0 °C (21.2 °F), measured at Tai Mo Shan on January 24, 2016.
2016: Rising income inequality in Hong Kong
By 2016, Hong Kong experienced a significant rise in income inequality, attributed to factors like the aging population and a widening wage gap.
2016: Hong Kong Tourism Boom
Hong Kong experienced a tourism boom in 2016, welcoming 26.6 million visitors who contributed HK$258 billion (US$32.9 billion) to the territory's economy. This influx of tourists positioned Hong Kong as the 14th most popular destination globally for international travelers.
2016: Legislative Council Election and Political Alignments
The 2016 Legislative Council election in Hong Kong resulted in the representation of 22 political parties. These parties, reflecting the diverse political landscape of the territory, generally aligned themselves with one of three ideological groups: the pro-Beijing camp, the pro-democracy camp, and localist groups. This election highlighted the ongoing interplay between these political forces and their respective visions for Hong Kong's future.
2016: Legislative Council Elections and Disqualifications
The 2016 Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong were marked by controversy and subsequent disqualifications of elected legislators. This move, perceived by many as an infringement on democratic principles and the autonomy promised under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework, ignited further debate and unrest within the territory.
August 2017: Highest recorded temperature in Hong Kong
The highest recorded temperature in Hong Kong's history was 39.0 °C (102 °F), measured at Wetland Park on August 22, 2017.
2017: Decline in Hong Kong's GDP Relative to Mainland China
By 2017, Hong Kong's GDP relative to mainland China had decreased to less than 3%, reflecting the mainland's significant economic development and liberalization efforts.
2017: Decline of Hong Kong Film Industry
By 2017, the annual film production in Hong Kong had decreased to around 60 films, marking a significant shift in the industry's momentum toward mainland China.
December 2018: Hong Kong Stock Exchange Market Capitalization
In December 2018, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange reached a market capitalization of HK$30.4 trillion (US$3.87 trillion), making it the seventh largest in the world at that time.
June 2019: Mass Protests Erupt in Hong Kong
June 2019 witnessed the eruption of unprecedented mass protests in Hong Kong. These protests, sparked by a controversial extradition bill that would have allowed for the transfer of fugitives to mainland China, quickly evolved into a broader movement advocating for democratic reforms and greater autonomy.
2019: District Council Election
As of 2019, there were 479 district council seats in Hong Kong, with 452 directly elected and 27 filled by Rural committee chairmen.
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 of Hong Kong passed the National Anthem Ordinance, a law that criminalized acts deemed as insults to the national anthem of China. This legislation sparked debate and concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for its use to stifle dissent.
July 2020: End of US preferential economic and trade treatment
The United States ended its preferential economic and trade treatment of Hong Kong in July 2020, citing the inability to distinguish Hong Kong as a separate entity from the People's Republic of China.
October 2020: Arrest of pro-democracy politicians
Hong Kong police arrested seven pro-democracy politicians in October 2020 for their involvement in tussles with pro-Beijing politicians in the Legislative Council in May.
November 2020: Proposed Cryptocurrency Trading Restrictions in Hong Kong
In November 2020, Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau put forth a proposal for a new law aimed at restricting cryptocurrency trading to professional investors only. This move raised concerns about the potential exclusion of amateur traders, who constitute a significant portion of Hong Kong's trading population.
2020: Decline in Tourism Due to COVID-19 Restrictions
Beginning in 2020, Hong Kong's tourism industry experienced a significant downturn as a result of strict COVID-19 travel restrictions, leading to a sharp decline in incoming visitors.
2020: Cheung Ka Long Secures Second Olympic Gold for Hong Kong
Cheung Ka Long won Hong Kong's second Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, adding to the territory's growing list of achievements in sports.
March 2021: Establishment of the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee
In March 2021, the Chinese central government unilaterally changed Hong Kong's electoral system, establishing the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee to screen political candidates for their "patriotism".
March 2021: Electoral System Amendments Introduced
March 2021 saw the introduction of significant amendments to Hong Kong's electoral system by the Chinese central government. These changes, aimed at consolidating Beijing's control over the territory's political landscape, included a reduction in the number of directly elected seats in the Legislative Council and the implementation of a vetting process for candidates, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic representation.
2021: Population estimate by the Census and Statistics Department
The Census and Statistics Department estimated Hong Kong's population to be 7,413,070 in 2021. The majority of the population is Han Chinese, with a small percentage of non-ethnic Chinese minorities.
2021: Hong Kong's Trading Statistics
In 2021, Hong Kong solidified its position as a global trade hub, ranking as the ninth largest entity in exports and the eighth largest in imports. Notably, over half of its cargo throughput consisted of transshipments, highlighting Hong Kong's role as a key transit point for international trade.
December 2022: Hong Kong Identity Poll
A poll conducted in December 2022 provided insights into the evolving sense of identity among Hong Kong residents. The results revealed a diverse range of identifications, with 32% of respondents identifying as "Hongkongers," 34.1% as "Hongkongers in China," 45.9% as having a "Mixed Identity," 20.5% as "Chinese," and 11.9% as "Chinese in Hong Kong."
2022: Life expectancy in Hong Kong
In 2022, life expectancy in Hong Kong reached 81.3 years for males and 87.2 years for females, placing it among the highest in the world.
2022: Further Decline in Tourism Due to Airspace Closure
The closure of Russian airspace in 2022 compounded the challenges faced by Hong Kong's tourism sector, prompting multiple airlines to cease their operations in the city.
May 2023: Proposed reforms to the District Council electoral system
In May 2023, the Hong Kong government proposed reforms to the District Council electoral system, aiming to reduce the number of directly elected seats and introduce a vetting process for candidates.
May 2023: Legislation Introduced to Reduce Directly Elected Seats
In May 2023, the Legislative Council of Hong Kong introduced legislation with the aim of reducing the number of directly elected seats in the district councils. This move, coupled with the establishment of a District Council Eligibility Review Committee responsible for vetting candidates, sparked further concerns about the shrinking space for democratic participation and the increasing influence of the central government in local governance.
July 2023: Legislative Council approves District Council electoral reforms
The Legislative Council of Hong Kong approved the proposed reforms to the District Council electoral system in July 2023.
2023: Hong Kong Government Initiative to Boost Tourism
In an effort to revitalize its tourism industry, the Hong Kong government announced plans in 2023 to distribute 500,000 free airline tickets as an incentive to attract tourists back to the territory.
2024: Passage of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance
In 2024, the Legislative Council passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, granting officials more power to suppress opposition to Beijing and the Hong Kong government. The ordinance includes penalties such as life imprisonment for political crimes.
2047: End of the "One Country, Two Systems" framework
The Joint Declaration guarantees the Basic Law of Hong Kong for 50 years after the handover, leaving the governance of Hong Kong after 2047 uncertain.