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Chapter 21

History

Colonisation, occupation, financial downturns and a fierce epidemic have failed to dampen Hong Kong's 'can do' spirit. Today, it has an enviably vibrant economy and more than maintains its position as a world city in Asia.

At the stroke of midnight on June 30, 1997, Hong Kong saw history in the making as the British and Hong Kong flags were lowered for the last time and the Chinese national and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flags were hoisted in their place.

After more than 150 years of colonial rule, Hong Kong was reunified with the Mainland under a 'one country, two systems' principle that allowed it to retain its rights and liberties and way of life. The Sino-British Joint Declaration, signed at the end of 1984, provides that Hong Kong will retain its way of life, rights and freedoms for 50 years after 1997.

In recent years, Hong Kong's relationship with the Mainland has strengthened not only in terms of business ties but also in the extent of government contacts and the flow of people. This close relationship is the product of culture, location and history - a history that extends back for many thousands of years.

Archaeological Background

Archaeological studies in Hong Kong began in the 1920s and have uncovered evidence of ancient human activities at many sites along the winding shoreline, testifying to events spanning more than 6 000 years. The interpretation of these events is still a matter of academic discussion. Archaeologically, Hong Kong is but a tiny part of the far greater cultural sphere of South China, itself as yet imperfectly known.

Despite suggestions that local prehistoric cultures developed out of incursions from North China or Southeast Asia, a growing number of scholars believe that the prehistoric cultures within the South China region evolved locally, independent of any