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Going back in history, in the 1820s and 1830s, Britain gained control of parts of India and intended to cultivate cotton in these lands to reduce imports from the United States. After this ambition failed, the British realized they could switch to cultivating opium poppies, which could be harvested more quickly. Opium, processed from opium poppies, was smuggled into China in enormous quantities during the Qing Dynasty, generating huge profits for Britain. Subsequently, Britain sought the right to freely trade opium from India to China, a practice strictly prohibited by the Qing Dynasty, according to the History website.
The First Opium War between Britain and China officially broke out in 1840. Defeated, in 1842 the Qing Dynasty was forced to sign the Treaty of Nanjing, ceding territory to the victors, officially marking the permanent transfer of Hong Kong Island to the British. In 1860, the Qing Dynasty again lost in the Second Opium War, and Britain proceeded to annex Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutter Peninsula to Hong Kong through the Beijing Convention. By 1898, Hong Kong was further expanded when Britain leased the New Territories and outlying islands for 99 years, until 1997.
Despite being handed back to China in 1997, Hong Kong still retains many strong traces of the British colonial era.
Despite the limited lease term for the New Territories, the territory quickly developed and integrated with the rest of Hong Kong. As the lease neared its end, and amidst tense negotiations in the 1980s about Hong Kong's future, separating the territories and transferring only the New Territories to China became impossible. Furthermore, given the scarcity of land and natural resources in Hong Kong, numerous large-scale infrastructure projects were undertaken in the New Territories. Many of these plans were even scheduled to be completed after June 30, 1997, after China had already taken over.
This unique cultural blend has created a Hong Kong that is both modern and dynamic, yet also deeply classic and charming.
Because it was a British colony for over 150 years, Hong Kong still retains many distinctly British cultural features that any visitor can easily recognize.
Where English is the common language
Hong Kong is a unique destination in China, where the intermingling of cultures creates a multilingual space. English, with its long history, remains widely used and an integral part of daily life for Hong Kong residents.
Language reflects and is influenced by cultural influences. Due to the influence of the colonial period and international trade, Hong Kong is home to multicultural communities.
This is one of the few places in China where you can confidently communicate in English while traveling. With over 100 years of history using English as an official language, most locals here can communicate in English, from street vendors to staff in upscale shops.
For over 130 years, English was the sole official language in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong was a British colony for over 100 years. During this time, English was widely used in government, education, and commerce. Furthermore, Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial centers. Communication in English facilitates easier connections with international business partners. Shopping malls, entertainment venues, and the subway system all have signs in English. Staff at Disneyland and Ocean Park are fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese (the local language).
Street names in Hong Kong: A legacy of the British colonial era.
One of the clearest examples is the street naming system. Walking through the streets of Hong Kong, visitors will easily come across familiar names, as if they were wandering in the heart of London.
Walking through the streets of Hong Kong, visitors will easily come across familiar names, as if they were wandering in the heart of London.
This is no coincidence. Many street names in Hong Kong are named after famous British landmarks or figures. Queen Victoria Street, one of the busiest one-way streets in Central, is a prime example. It is named after Queen Victoria, the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Similarly, Prince Edward Road, Baker Street, Old Bailey Road, and Oxford Road all evoke famous streets in London.
The similarities aren't limited to just the names. Many streets in Hong Kong evoke a strong resemblance to their British counterparts. For example, Hong Kong's bustling Soho district, with its bars, restaurants, and fashion boutiques, is heavily influenced by London's famous Soho.
Double-decker trains in Hong Kong
In the late 19th century, along with the expansion of colonialism, Asia witnessed the emergence of many modern architectural and technological innovations brought by Europeans. Among them, the tram system is a prime example. In Hong Kong, one of the important British colonies, trams quickly became an indispensable part of urban life.
The clanging trams have not only been a form of transportation for over 110 years but also a major tourist attraction in Hong Kong.
Established in 1904, the Hong Kong tram system was one of the first public transportation systems in Asia. Even today, more than a century later, these classic double-decker trams still quietly tram along Hong Kong's streets, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
The Hong Kong tram is one of only three tram systems in the world with a double-decker design.
Sitting on the brightly painted yellow trams, gliding smoothly along the tracks, tourists feel as if they are transported into a classic film. Through the windows, towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and ancient temples unfold, creating a vibrant tapestry of Hong Kong. The tinkling of the wheels on the tracks blends with the laughter and chatter of the passengers, creating a warm and familiar atmosphere.
The trains are quite bulky, slow, and not very economical, yet they are the cheapest form of public transport in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong tram system is not just a means of public transportation but also a fascinating tourist destination. With its unique design and long history, these trams have become a cultural icon of the city. If you have the chance to visit Hong Kong, don't forget to experience the feeling of riding on a vintage tram and discovering the beauty of this city in a very special way.
Hong Kong people drive on the left.
Hong Kong, with its history of East-West fusion, has always possessed unique cultural characteristics. One of the things that sets Hong Kong apart from most cities in China is its traffic rule: Hong Kongers drive on the left side of the road.
This legacy is inherited from the colonial era. When the British arrived in Hong Kong in the 19th century, they brought with them customs and traditions, including the rule of driving on the left. This was a common regulation in British colonies at the time, aimed at ensuring uniformity and convenience in traffic management.
Imagine standing on a street in Hong Kong, watching double-decker buses gracefully turn left, weaving through narrow streets, creating a vibrant picture of urban life. All of this is the result of a decision made over a century ago.
The rule of driving on the left is not simply a traffic regulation, but also a part of Hong Kong's cultural identity. It reminds us of a glorious past and the profound influence of Western culture on this country.
Old Hong Kong, with its masterpieces of British colonial architecture still intact.
Hong Kong is not just a modern city, but also a living architectural museum. Buildings with a distinct British colonial style, constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, still stand tall in the heart of the city, as historical witnesses.
Hong Kong has always been known for its luxury, modernity, and ever-changing atmosphere, yet it still retains iconic landmarks steeped in history.
As a small landmass at the mouth of the Pearl River, Hong Kong has traversed historical periods to transform from a small farming and fishing village into a global financial center.
St. John's Church, with its distinctive Gothic architecture, is a prime example. Its pointed arches, soaring domes, and granite columns create a solemn and serene atmosphere. The church is not only a place for people to pray but also a cultural symbol of Hong Kong. The Supreme Court, with its facade designed by architects who once worked at Buckingham Palace, exudes an air of elegance and authority.
These architectural structures are not simply buildings, but also stories of history and culture. They are testaments to the interplay between East and West, between tradition and modernity. Today, as Hong Kong continues to develop, preserving these architectural heritage sites is extremely important. They not only help us better understand the past but also contribute to enriching the city's diverse cultural landscape.
