HONG KONG ASIAS WORLD CITY
TARANANAD MUKHOPADHYAY 10BEC0227
INTRODUCTION
Hong Kong(, Heng gng in Cantonese, meaning fragrant harbour) is one of two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People's Republic of China, the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour.
A MAP OF MODERN DAY HONG KONG SAR (HKSAR)
HISTORY
Archaeological findings suggesting human activity in Hong Kong date back over 30,000 years. Stone tools of the pre-historic people during the old stone age have been excavated in Sai Kung in Wong Tei Tung. Religious carvings on outlying islands and coastal areas have also been found, possibly related to Che people in Neolithic. The latest findings dating from the Paleolithic suggest that Wong Tei Tung () is one of the most ancient settlements in Hong Kong.
Imperial China Era (221 BC 1911)
The territory was incorporated into China during the Qin Dynasty (221 BC 206 BC), and the area was firmly consolidated under Nanyue (203 BC - 111 BC.) . Salt production possibly flourished in Hong Kong around 2000 years ago, although conclusive evidence has not been found. The last dynasty in China, Qing Dynasty, would also be the last to come in contact with Hong Kong. As a military outpost and trading port, the Hong Kong territory would gain the attention of the world.
Japanese occupation Era (1940s)
Hong Kong was occupied by Japan from 25 December 1941 to 15 August 1945. The period, called '3 years and 8 months' halted the economy. During the Japanese occupation, hyper-inflation and food rationing became the norm of daily lives. It became unlawful to own Hong Kong Dollars, which were replaced by the Japanese Military Yen. Some estimated that as many as 10,000 women were raped after Hong Kong's capture and a large number of suspected dissidents were executed. By the end of the war in 1945, Hong Kong had been liberated by joint British and Chinese troops.
Modern Hong Kong under British rule (1950s 1997)
The manufacturing industry opened a new decade employing large sections of the population. The period is considered a turning point for Hong Kong's economy. The 1970s saw the extension of government subsidised education from six years to nine years and the setup of Hong Kong's country parks system. On 4 April 1990, the Hong Kong Basic Law was officially accepted as the mini-constitution of the Hong Kong SAR after the handover. The pro-Beijing bloc welcomed the Basic Law, calling it the most democratic legal system to ever exist in the PRC.
CULTURE
The culture of Hong Kong can best be described as a foundation that began with China, and became more influenced by British colonialism. Despite the 1997 transfer of sovereignty to the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong continues to hold an identity of its own.
Language : Cantonese is the most widely spoken language in Hong Kong. Festival : Chinese New Year is the most important celebration in the Hong Kong culture. Music : Cantopop has dominated and become synonymous with local music culture since its birth in Hong Kong. T.V. Drama : Besides from the staple of TVB dramas, citizens also watch a lot of dramas from Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The most notable is Korea's Dae Jang Geum. Food : Food holds an important place in Hong Kong culture. From dim sum, da been lo, fast food, to the most rare of delicacies, Hong Kong carries the reputable label of "Gourmet Paradise" and "World's Fair of Food".
CLIMATE
There are four distinct seasons in Hong Kong. The best times of year to visit are thus, spring (March-May), when the average temperature is around 25C and autumn (September-December). Christmas in Hong Kong can be a delight with a fair chance of mild sunny weather that will appeal to those coming from colder northern climates. Typhoons usually occur between June and September and can bring a halt to local business activities for a day or less. Expect winter temperatures to rise to 22C on sunny days and fall to under 10C at night, especially when in mountainous areas.
CHEK LAP KOK() - A MODERN MEGASTRUCTURE
Hong Kong International Airport, also known as Chek Lap Kok (named after the small island it was built over), is the main port for visitors to Hong Kong by air. Designed by Sir Norman Foster, this modern and efficient building opened in July 1998 and has since been named "World's Best Airport" by Skytrax in annual ratings five times.
RELIGION
Religion in Hong Kong is part of the culture of Hong Kong. Religious freedom is one of the fundamental rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. It is protected by the Basic Law and relevant legislation. There is a large variety of religious groups in Hong Kong, including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism. Buddhism and Taoism have a considerable number of adherents in Hong Kong. The Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is famous for the outdoor bronze statue, Tian Tan Buddha, which attracts a large number of visitors during the weekends and holidays.
FESTIVALS
Chinese (Lunar) New Year () Spring Lantern Festival () Ching Ming Festival () Cheung Chau Bun Festival () Tuen Ng Festival () Hungry Ghost Festival () Mid Autumn Festival / Moon Festival () Chung Yeung Festival () Halloween () Christmas () New Year's Eve ()
ECONOMY
As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong has a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade. It is an important centre for international finance and trade and is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers for its high growth rates and rapid development from the 1960s to the 1990s. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is the seventh largest in the world, with a market capitalisation of US$2.3 trillion as of December 2009. Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong dollar, which has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1983.
CUISINE
Hong Kong cuisine is influenced by Cantonese cuisine and parts of nonCantonese-speaking China (especially Chaozhou, Dongjiang, Fujian and the Yangtze River Delta), Western world, Japan, and Southeast Asia, due to Hong Kong's past as a British colony and long history of being an international city of commerce. Most East Asian cuisines, with the exception of fusion and Thai, are consumed exclusively with chopsticks. The more Western style cuisines favor cutlery. Some meals are more suited for the use of hands.
REFERENCES
www.wikipedia.org
www.google.com www.lonelyplanet.com www.hongkongfood.blogspot.com
