Old meets new

Hong Kong is situated on the southeast coast of China at the mouth of the Pearl River facing the South China Sea. Covering an area of 1,104 square kilometers (425 square miles), the territory is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories. At the core is Victoria Harbour, which separates Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and beyond that, the New Territories that run up to the boundary with Mainland China. As well as making up the bulk of Hong Kong's land mass, the New Territories also incorporates 262 outlying islands, including Lantau where the airport is located.

Despite its dense urban environment, about three quarters of Hong Kong's total area is countryside, including about 40% designated as country parks and special areas that are all easily accessible. The Government is striving to improve the living environment through a series of ‘green’ projects.

The bustling city of Hong Kong was just a collection of fishing villages when claimed by Britain in 1842 following the First Opium War with China. This failed attempt by the Qing Dynasty to stop the British opium trade led to Hong Kong Island being ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking that year. The Kowloon Peninsula was handed over in 1860. A 99-year lease on the New Territories, comprising the area north of Kowloon up to the Shenzhen River, plus outlying islands, was granted in 1898.

Under the unique principle of 'One Country, Two Systems', Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997 as a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. This arrangement allows Hong Kong to enjoy a high degree of autonomy, retaining its capitalist system, independent judiciary and rule of law, free trade and freedom of speech.

Hong Kong's magnificent harbor has been the key to its development as a trading port and gateway to China, progressing through an industrial era to become a leading financial and services center in Asia. The unique blend of eastern and western influences matched by diverse attractions and stunning countryside has also made Hong Kong Asia's prime tourist destination.

The real magic of Hong Kong's stunning countryside is its proximity to the city. One minute you're deep in a bamboo forest, the next minute tower blocks spring into view. The rural areas also offer an amazing variety of scenery. Lush valleys, sub-tropical forests, rugged peaks, coastal walks, and secluded beaches are some of the many surprises awaiting in Hong Kong.

To many visitors' surprise, almost 70% of Hong Kong's total land area is unspoilt countryside and mountains. An incredible 40% of the territory has been officially conserved in protected country and marine parks.