Hong Kong is a vibrant, fast-paced city famous for its stunning skyline, rich history, and role as a leading international financial hub. Sitting on the southeastern coast of China, it includes a mainland area and more than 200 islands, blending Eastern and Western cultures in a way few cities can. In Chinese, it’s called Xiang Gang, meaning “Fragrant Harbour” — a name that dates back to the early 1800s, when the Pearl River’s freshwater gave the harbour a sweet taste, or perhaps from the scent of incense drifting from factories along northern Kowloon’s coast.

Today, around 7.5 million people live in Hong Kong, making it one of the most densely populated regions in the world. About 91% are Han Chinese, while the rest include Filipino, Indonesian, Indian, Nepalese, and other communities. Cantonese is the main language, but in recent years more young people have been learning Mandarin as part of China’s education policy.

In the early 1800s, Hong Kong was just a small fishing village, growing slowly with its fishing communities. That changed in 1842 when the Treaty of Nanking, signed after the First Opium War, ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain. Kowloon followed in 1860, and the New Territories were leased in 1898 for 99 years. Under British rule, Hong Kong grew into a major trading port and financial centre.

On July 1, 1997, sovereignty returned to China under the “One Country, Two Systems” agreement, promising a high degree of autonomy, its own legal system, and rights not found in mainland China for 50 years. Despite its small size, Hong Kong ranks among the world’s leading financial centres, with an economy built on finance, logistics, tourism, professional services, and retail. Known for low taxes, minimal regulation, and a pro-business environment, it has often topped global rankings for economic freedom.

The city’s education system is highly competitive, shaped by both British and Chinese models, and home to top-ranking universities. While recent political changes have raised questions about its long-term stability, Hong Kong is also investing heavily in innovation, technology, and smart city projects, with a growing startup scene.

As a tourist destination, Hong Kong offers a mix of tradition and modernity. Famous attractions include Victoria Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha), Temple Street Night Market, and Ladies’ Market for local food and shopping. At night, crowds gather at Victoria Harbour to see the city’s skyline light up, featuring landmarks like the iconic Bank of China Tower. Beyond the main sights, there are also countless hidden gems on the city’s smaller islands.

Hong Kong remains one of the world’s most captivating cities — a place where East meets West, and tradition meets innovation. Its future, however, hangs in the balance, shaped by shifting geopolitics, changing freedoms, and debates over its identity within China. Whether it can hold onto its unique character is uncertain, but its resilience, adaptability, and spirit suggest that Hong Kong’s story is far from over.