106-411: The Immigration Ordinance is Chapter 115 of Hong Kong 's Ordinances. It regulates the immigration issues of Hong Kong, such as Right of Abode , immigration control and enforcement of illegal immigration by Immigration Department . Introduced in 1971 (as Cap 55), it replaced a number of earlier ordinances that dealt with immigration control from China into Hong Kong: The previous ordinances reflected
212-458: A proposed extradition amendment bill permitting the extradition of fugitives to mainland China. The protests are the largest in Hong Kong's history, with organisers claiming to have attracted more than three million Hong Kong residents. The Hong Kong regional government and Chinese central government responded to the protests with a number of administrative measures to quell dissent. In June 2020,
318-402: A 2021 thematic report by the Hong Kong government, after excluding foreign domestic helpers, the real number of non-Chinese ethnic minorities in the city was 301,344, or 4% of Hong Kong's population. About half the population have some form of British nationality , a legacy of colonial rule; 3.4 million residents have British National (Overseas) status, and 260,000 British citizens live in
424-538: A Chinese triad leader, "Four Finger Wu" on his junk in the harbour. The two discuss kidnappings, lines of credit, and call ancient favours and debts. In 1991, the American action film Double Impact , starring Jean-Claude Van Damme , includes an escape scene that was shot on the fishing vessels in Aberdeen Harbour, in which Van Damme swims to another fishing vessel in Aberdeen Harbour and ultimately escapes. In 1996,
530-763: A Thai restaurant; and Viet's Choice ( 越棧 ), a Vietnamese restaurant, are also located in Aberdeen Centre. The Pacific Bar is located in Aberdeen Centre as well, serving mainly foreigners living in 'Aberdeen Centre', the private housing estate. During the Tuen Ng Festival , also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, Aberdeen Harbour becomes the venue of the dragon boat race in the Southern District. District authorities also hold similar races on Duanwu Festival Day in harbours or rivers of their districts. Although
636-520: A diverse ecosystem; over 3,000 species of vascular plants occur in the region (300 of which are native to Hong Kong), and thousands of insect, avian, and marine species. Hong Kong has a humid subtropical climate ( Köppen Cwa ), characteristic of southern China, despite being located south of the Tropic of Cancer , although closely bordering on a tropical climate . Summers are long, hot and humid, with occasional showers and thunderstorms and warm air from
742-681: A first-aid room. Unlike private clubs, the facilities at the Aberdeen Sports Centre and the Aberdeen Tennis and Squash Centre can be reserved by Hong Kong Identity Card holders, locals or foreigners. The price is usually less than HKD $ 100. The Aberdeen Sports Ground is open to the public free of charge whenever the Southern District RSA football team is not undergoing training. Aberdeen Country Park ( 香港仔郊野公園 ), commonly known by locals as "Aberdeen Reservoir Park" ( 香港仔水塘公園 ),
848-840: A four-year term. Twenty are directly elected from geographical constituencies , thirty-five represent functional constituencies (FC), and forty are chosen by an election committee consisting of representatives appointed by the Chinese central government. Thirty FC councillors are selected from limited electorates representing sectors of the economy or special interest groups, and the remaining five members are nominated from sitting district council members and selected in region-wide double direct elections . All popularly elected members are chosen by proportional representation . The 30 limited electorate functional constituencies fill their seats using first-past-the-post or instant-runoff voting. Twenty-two political parties had representatives elected to
954-459: A mountain range. The series' anime adaptation depicts Aberdeen similarly. In 2003, the Hollywood movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life showed Angelina Jolie (Lara) in the Aberdeen Harbour on a floating houseboat using the Chinese family's satellite to communicate. This was mirrored to some extent in the 2018 reboot Tomb Raider (film) , where an action scene was filmed in/around
1060-486: A neutral zone to safeguard its status as a free port. The colonial government prepared for a possible attack, evacuating all British women and children in 1940. The Imperial Japanese Army attacked Hong Kong on 8 December 1941 , the same morning as its attack on Pearl Harbor . Hong Kong was occupied by Japan for almost four years before the British resumed control on 30 August 1945. Its population rebounded quickly after
1166-409: A second language. Slightly over half the population (58.7%) speaks English , the other official language; 4.6% are native speakers, and 54.1% speak English as a second language. Code-switching , mixing English and Cantonese in informal conversation, is common among the bilingual population. Post-handover governments have promoted Mandarin , which is currently about as prevalent as English; 54.2% of
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#17328487807971272-516: A series of protests in 2014 which became known as the Umbrella Revolution. Discrepancies in the electoral registry and disqualification of elected legislators after the 2016 Legislative Council elections and enforcement of national law in the West Kowloon high-speed railway station raised further concerns about the region's autonomy. In June 2019, mass protests erupted in response to
1378-432: A severe amount of income inequality, which has risen since the handover, as the region's ageing population has gradually added to the number of nonworking people. Although median household income steadily increased during the decade to 2021, the wage gap remained high; the 90th percentile of earners receive 41% of all income. The city has the most billionaires per capita, with one billionaire per 109,657 people, as well as
1484-462: A sparsely populated area of farming and fishing villages, the territory is now one of the world's most significant financial centres and commercial ports. Hong Kong is the world's third-ranked global financial centre (behind New York City and London ), ninth-largest exporter, and eighth-largest importer. Its currency, the Hong Kong dollar , is the ninth most traded currency in the world. Home to
1590-466: A table tennis room or a multi-purpose activity room. The Aberdeen Tennis and Squash Centre is located at No. 1 Aberdeen Praya Road, next to the Ocean Court Building. The Aberdeen Tennis and Squash Centre includes 8 tennis courts and six squash courts, which can be converted into table tennis rooms or multi-purpose activity rooms, two American pool rooms, a fitness room, a fee-paying car park, and
1696-564: A tour of Aberdeen Harbour. Aberdeen attracts many tourists as it is in the vicinity of Ocean Park , also located in the Southern District, near the Aberdeen Sports Ground, which is the other famous theme park apart from Hong Kong Disneyland . Mojo Nomad Aberdeen is located at 100 Shek Pai Wan Road, and has 52 rooms. The L'hotel Island South, at 55 Wong Chuk Hang Road , is located near the popular Ocean Park . Grantham Hospital , located at 125 Wong Chuk Hang Road, has been serving
1802-403: A waterfall on the island flowed. The simplified name Hong Kong was frequently used by 1810. The name was also commonly written as the single word Hongkong until 1926, when the government officially adopted the two-word name. Some corporations founded during the early colonial era still keep this name, including Hongkong Land , Hongkong Electric Company , Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels and
1908-479: Is a highly developed territory and has a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.956, ranking fourth in the world and currently the only place in Asia to be in the top 5. The city has the highest life expectancy in the world , and a public transport usage exceeding 90 per cent. The name of the territory, first romanised as "He-Ong-Kong" in 1780, originally referred to a small inlet located between Aberdeen Island and
2014-592: Is a special administrative region of China . With 7.4 million residents of various nationalities in a 1,104-square-kilometre (426 sq mi) territory, Hong Kong is the fourth most densely populated region in the world. Hong Kong was established as a colony of the British Empire after the Qing dynasty ceded Hong Kong Island in 1841–1842 as a consequence of losing the First Opium War . The colony expanded to
2120-431: Is a special administrative region of China , with executive, legislative, and judicial powers devolved from the national government . The Sino-British Joint Declaration provided for economic and administrative continuity through the handover, resulting in an executive-led governing system largely inherited from the territory's history as a British colony. Under these terms and the "one country, two systems" principle,
2226-966: Is a frequent venue for local organisations' events, including fairs, promotion events and charity events. The square is sometimes used by the Southern District Council to hold fairs and evening concerts during festivals such as the Chinese New Year and Christmas . Aberdeen Promenade , located right next to Aberdeen Harbour on the Aberdeen town side, as well as the Ap Lei Chau Bridge and Aberdeen Channel Bridge , are famous places for tourists to take photographs of Aberdeen Harbour. The two areas attract many tourists. The route of Big Bus Tours Hong Kong includes Aberdeen Praya Road, where tourists can take photographs of Aberdeen Harbour on open-top buses. Sampans (junks) can be hired by tourists for
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#17328487807972332-505: Is an area on southwest Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. Administratively, it is part of the Southern District . While the name "Aberdeen" could be taken in a broad sense to encompass the areas of Aberdeen (town), Wong Chuk Hang , Ap Lei Chau , Tin Wan , Wah Kwai Estate and Wah Fu Estate , it is more often used to refer to the town only. According to the population census conducted in 2011,
2438-609: Is believed that Aberdeen is where the name of Hong Kong (more accurately transcribed as Heung Kong ) originates. Heung Kong Tsuen (香港村, "Hong Kong village") on Ap Lei Chau was mentioned on Ming -era maps. Another walled village called Heung Kong Wai in Wong Chuk Hang was also founded during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty . Hong Kong means "fragrant harbour", and it was Aberdeen where incense trees ( Aquilaria sinensis ) from
2544-410: Is governed by a hybrid regime that is not fully representative of the population. Legislative Council members elected by functional constituencies composed of professional and special interest groups are accountable to these narrow corporate electorates and not the general public. This electoral arrangement has guaranteed a pro-Beijing camp majority in the legislature since the handover. Similarly,
2650-566: Is in Primary One Admission (POA) School Net 18. Within the school net are multiple aided schools (operated independently but funded with government money) and Hong Kong Southern District Government Primary School ( 香港南區官立小學 ). To arrive at Aberdeen or Aberdeen Harbour, travellers can take buses 4, 7, 37A, 37B, 37X, 38, 40P, 41A, 42, 42C, 48, 70, 70P, 71, 71P, 72, 73, 73P, 76, 77, 77X, 78, 91, 91A, 93, 93A, 93C, 94A, 95C, 98, 107, 107P, 170, 595, 970X, 971, 973, A10, N72 or N170, and alight at
2756-471: Is surrounded by the Aberdeen Reservoirs (upper reservoir and lower reservoir). It is a popular spot for local citizens to have barbecue meals as well as a frequent spot for local social organisations and churches to hold group activities. It is also the usual venue of the annual Fall Picnic Day held by primary and secondary schools in the neighborhood. The Aberdeen Promenade (on the Aberdeen side) and
2862-550: Is the home ground of the district's football team, Southern District RSA . The Aberdeen Sports Centre is located on the 5/F and 6/F of the Aberdeen Municipal Services Building, No. 203 Aberdeen Main Road. The Aberdeen Sports Centre includes a multi-purpose arena, which can be converted into one basketball court or one volleyball court or four badminton courts. There is also a squash court, which can be converted into
2968-620: The Ap Lei Chau Wind Tower Park [ zh ] (on the Ap Lei Chau side), located at both sides of the Aberdeen Harbour, are popular spots where local citizens jog and exercise. The two spots are more frequently used between 7 pm and 11 pm, as citizens exercise after work. The Aberdeen Marina Club [ zh ] , located in Wong Chuk Hang (an area inside Aberdeen), provides ice hockey, ice skating, yoga, Tai Chi, swimming, Judo and other experiences for members. In 1973,
3074-537: The Basic Law of Hong Kong for 50 years after the handover. It does not specify how Hong Kong will be governed after 2047, and the central government's role in determining the territory's future system of government is the subject of political debate and speculation. Hong Kong's political and judicial systems may be integrated with China's at that time, or the territory may continue to be administered separately. However, in response to large-scale protests in 2019 and 2020 ,
3180-578: The Basic Law of Hong Kong is the regional constitution. The regional government is composed of three branches: The chief executive is the head of government and serves for a maximum of two five-year terms. The State Council (led by the Premier of China ) appoints the chief executive after nomination by the Election Committee , which is composed of 1500 business, community, and government leaders. The Legislative Council has 90 members, each serving
3286-592: The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference appointed by the central government. Chinese national law does not generally apply in the region, and Hong Kong is treated as a separate jurisdiction. Its judicial system is based on common law , continuing the legal tradition established during British rule. Local courts may refer to precedents set in English law and overseas jurisprudence. However, mainland criminal procedure law applies to cases investigated by
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3392-553: The Chinese central government 's adherence to the "one country, two systems" principle. After reversal of the last colonial era Legislative Council democratic reforms following the handover, the regional government unsuccessfully attempted to enact national security legislation pursuant to Article 23 of the Basic Law . The central government decision to implement nominee pre-screening before allowing chief executive elections triggered
3498-643: The Former Marine Police Headquarters was redeveloped into a commercial and retail complex, and Béthanie (built in 1875 as a sanatorium ) houses the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts . The Tin Hau Temple , dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu (originally built in 1012 and rebuilt in 1266), is the territory's oldest existing structure. The Ping Shan Heritage Trail has architectural examples of several imperial Chinese dynasties, including
3604-649: The Jumbo Floating Restaurant was a popular tourist spot. Designed to resemble a floating palace of imperial China, it had attracted over 30 million visitors since it opened in 1976. The family-run Shan Loon Tse Kee Fish Balls Restaurant ( 山窿謝記 ) served Chiuchow-style fish ball with soup noodles for 65 years until it closed on 31 March 2012 due to rising fish prices and staffing problems. The Tse Kee Restaurant served famous guests such as Christopher Patten , former Governor of Hong Kong (1992-1997); Donald Tsang , former Chief Executive of Hong Kong (Head of
3710-624: The Kowloon Peninsula in 1860 and was further extended when the United Kingdom obtained a 99-year lease of the New Territories in 1898. Hong Kong was occupied by Japan from 1941 to 1945 during World War II . The territory was handed over from the United Kingdom to China in 1997. Hong Kong maintains separate governing and economic systems from that of mainland China under the principle of one country, two systems . Originally
3816-780: The Middle Neolithic period, about 6,000 years ago, the region had been widely occupied by humans. Neolithic to Bronze Age Hong Kong settlers were semi-coastal people. Early inhabitants are believed to be Austronesians in the Middle Neolithic period and later the Yue people. As hinted by the archaeological works in Sha Ha, Sai Kung, rice cultivation had been introduced since Late Neolithic period. Bronze Age Hong Kong featured coarse pottery, hard pottery, quartz and stone jewelry, as well as small bronze implements. The Qin dynasty incorporated
3922-852: The New Territories used to be brought for export to other cities in China . One alternative Chinese name was Shek Pai Wan ( 石排灣 ). At the time of the 1911 census, the population of Aberdeen Town was 1,314. The number of males was 951. In the Second World War , during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong (1941-1945), the Chinese name of Aberdeen, Hong Kong Tsai , was transformed into Japanese as Moto Hong Kong ( 元香港 ), meaning "The Origin of Hong Kong". The Aberdeen Kai-Fong Association (abbreviated "AKA"; Chinese : 香港仔街坊福利會 , literally means "Aberdeen Neighbours Association"), located at 180B Aberdeen Main Road, provides outreach and elderly services throughout
4028-708: The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the HKSAR . Interpretative and amending power over the Basic Law and jurisdiction over acts of state lie with the central authority, making regional courts ultimately subordinate to the mainland's socialist civil law system. Decisions made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress override any territorial judicial process. Furthermore, in circumstances where
4134-697: The People's Liberation Army is responsible for the region's defence. Although the Chairman of the Central Military Commission is supreme commander of the armed forces, the regional government may request assistance from the garrison. Hong Kong residents are not required to perform military service, and current law has no provision for local enlistment, so its defence is composed entirely of non-Hongkongers. The central government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs handle diplomatic matters, but Hong Kong retains
4240-570: The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council to grant officials "even more powers to crack down on opposition to Beijing and the Hong Kong government" and includes penalties such as life imprisonment for political crimes such as treason and insurrection . Critics state that this expansion "will strike a lasting blow to the partial autonomy the city had been promised by China [in
4346-701: The Shanghai Street shophouses in Mong Kok . Mass-produced public-housing estates , built since the 1960s, are mainly constructed in modernist style . The Census and Statistics Department estimated Hong Kong's population at 7,413,070 in 2021. The overwhelming majority (91.6%) is Han Chinese , most of whom are Taishanese , Teochew , Hakka , and other Cantonese peoples . The remaining 8.4% are non-ethnic Chinese minorities, primarily Filipinos , Indonesians , and South Asians . However, most Filipinos and Indonesians in Hong Kong are short-term workers. According to
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4452-490: The Sino-British Joint Declaration ]." Hong Kong's administrative divisions are divided into three levels: Areas (區域), Districts (地區), and Sub-districts (分區). Hong Kong is administratively divided into three areas: Hong Kong Island , Kowloon , and the New Territories . They are further divided into 18 districts. The area of Hong Kong Island has four districts, the area of Kowloon has five districts, and
4558-453: The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed the controversial Hong Kong national security law . The law criminalises secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign elements and establishes the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the HKSAR, an investigative office under Central People's Government authority immune from HKSAR jurisdiction. Some of
4664-467: The Towngas company, creating job opportunities for the disabled and promoting healthy diet culture . Aberdeen is one of the 19 constituencies of the Southern District Council . Each constituency has one elected council member in the Southern District Council . As of 2018 , the council member representing the area of Aberdeen is Pauline Yam. Moored in the harbour between Wong Chuk Hang and Ap Lei Chau ,
4770-595: The Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda (Hong Kong's only remaining pagoda). Tong lau , mixed-use tenement buildings constructed during the colonial era, blended southern Chinese architectural styles with European influences. These were especially prolific during the immediate post-war period, when many were rapidly built to house large numbers of Chinese migrants. Examples include Lui Seng Chun , the Blue House in Wan Chai , and
4876-600: The central government in Beijing in June 2020 resulted in the suspension of bilateral extradition treaties by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, and Ireland. The United States ended its preferential economic and trade treatment of Hong Kong in July 2020 because it was no longer able to distinguish Hong Kong as a separate entity from the People's Republic of China. In 2024,
4982-474: The second-highest number of billionaires of any city in the world, the highest number of billionaires of any city in Asia, and the largest concentration of ultra high-net-worth individuals of any city in the world. Despite government efforts to reduce the growing disparity, median income for the top 10% of earners is 57 times that of the bottom 10%. Aberdeen, Hong Kong Aberdeen ( / ˌ æ b ər ˈ d iː n / AB -ər- DEEN )
5088-409: The seventh-highest number of billionaires of any city in the world, Hong Kong has the largest number of ultra high-net-worth individuals . Although the city has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, severe income inequality exists among the population. Despite being the city with the most skyscrapers in the world , housing in Hong Kong is consistently in high demand . Hong Kong
5194-708: The tallest buildings in Hong Kong and are among the tallest in the Asia-Pacific region. Other distinctive buildings lining the Hong Kong Island skyline include the HSBC Main Building , the anemometer -topped triangular Central Plaza , the circular Hopewell Centre , and the sharp-edged Bank of China Tower . Demand for new construction has contributed to frequent demolition of older buildings, freeing space for modern high-rises. However, many examples of European and Lingnan architecture are still found throughout
5300-622: The 1279 Battle of Yamen by the Yuan Dynasty. By the end of the Yuan dynasty , seven large families had settled in the region and owned most of the land. Settlers from nearby provinces migrated to Kowloon throughout the Ming dynasty . The earliest European visitor was Portuguese explorer Jorge Álvares , who arrived in 1513. Portuguese merchants established a trading post called Tamão in Hong Kong waters and began regular trade with southern China. Although
5406-669: The Aberdeen Harbour race is not as famous as the Shing Mun River race, it still attracts many tourists and locals every year. The Southern District Tourism and Culture Festival, held by the Southern District Council, organizes races in the Aberdeen Promenade, tours of Aberdeen town, and the Mid-Autumn Fire Dragon Festival in the Aberdeen area every year. Aberdeen Square, located in Aberdeen Centre,
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#17328487807975512-470: The Government) (2005-2012); Henry Tang , former Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong (2007-2011); Tony Leung , a famous actor; Chua Lam , a well-known food critic; and Eason Chan , a celebrated singer. Tse Kee Restaurant helped make "Aberdeen Fish Balls Noodles Culture" ( 香港仔魚蛋粉 ) well-known. Six Jau Laus (Cantonese restaurants, 酒樓 ) such as The Tao Heung and The Foo Lum are located in
5618-515: The Hollywood martial arts film Enter the Dragon , starring Bruce Lee , used Aberdeen Harbour as a filming location for the scenes where the principal characters assemble on Han's junk for the sea journey to his island. In 1987, Aberdeen harbour appears in multiple shots in the TV miniseries of James Clavell 's Novel, " The Noble House ", starring Pierce Brosnan . Brosnan's character travels to and meets with
5724-753: The Hong Kong area into China for the first time in 214 BCE, after conquering the indigenous Baiyue . The region was consolidated under the Nanyue kingdom (a predecessor state of Vietnam ) after the Qin collapse and recaptured by China after the Han conquest . During the Mongol conquest of China in the 13th century, the Southern Song court was briefly located in modern-day Kowloon City (the Sung Wong Toi site) before its final defeat in
5830-748: The Hong Kong comedy movie The God of Cookery starred Steven Chow as the "Former God of Cookery" competing with Vincent Kok as the "New God of Cookery" on the Tai Pak floating restaurant, located in the Aberdeen Harbour. Aberdeen Harbour is featured as the first area of the Dreamcast and Xbox video game Shenmue II . The "Aberdeen" depicted in the game differs radically in appearance from its real-life counterpart, being dominated architecturally by low-rise freight storage facilities and colonial-looking neo-historical architecture; this fictional version also faces an urban landscape slightly reminiscent of Hong Kong Island's north shore, an impossible arrangement due to Aberdeen being situated south of this area, behind
5936-422: The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC). Earliest known human traces in what is now Hong Kong are dated by some to 35,000 and 39,000 years ago during the Paleolithic period. The claim is based on an archaeological investigation in Wong Tei Tung , Sai Kung in 2003. The archaeological works revealed knapped stone tools from deposits that were dated using optical luminescence dating . During
6042-450: The IB. The International Montessori School is located on Ap Lei Chau near Aberdeen. South Island School is located nearby on Hong Kong Island. Local Chinese high schools in Aberdeen district include Pui Tak Canossian College , St. Peter's Secondary School [ zh ] in Aberdeen Centre, Aberdeen Technical School [ zh ] in Wong Chuk Hang and Aberdeen Baptist Lui Ming Choi College in Ap Lei Chau. Aberdeen
6148-406: The Legislative Council and the requirement that all candidates be vetted and approved by a Beijing-appointed Candidate Eligibility Review Committee . In May 2023, the Legislative Council also introduced legislation to reduce the number of directly elected seats in the district councils, and a District Council Eligibility Review Committee was similarly established to vet candidates. Hong Kong
6254-484: The Legislative Council in the 2016 election . These parties have aligned themselves into three ideological groups: the pro-Beijing camp (the current government), the pro-democracy camp , and localist groups . The Chinese Communist Party does not have an official political presence in Hong Kong, and its members do not run in local elections. Hong Kong is represented in the National People's Congress by 36 deputies chosen through an electoral college and 203 delegates in
6360-432: The Legislative Council passed the National Anthem Ordinance , which criminalised "insults to the national anthem of China". The Chinese central government meanwhile enacted the Hong Kong national security law to help quell protests in the region. Nine months later, in March 2021, the Chinese central government introduced amendments to Hong Kong's electoral system , which included the reduction of directly elected seats in
6466-438: The New Territories. Much of this is built on reclaimed land ; 70 km (27 sq mi) (6% of the total land or about 25% of developed space in the territory) is reclaimed from the sea. Undeveloped terrain is hilly to mountainous, with very little flat land, and consists mostly of grassland, woodland, shrubland, or farmland. About 40% of the remaining land area is country parks and nature reserves. The territory has
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#17328487807976572-418: The Philippines and Indonesia, have little protection under regional law. Although they live and work in Hong Kong, these workers are not treated as ordinary residents and do not have the right of abode in the territory. Sex trafficking is also an issue, local, mainland Chinese, and foreign women have been trafficked for sex in brothels , homes, and businesses in the city. The Joint Declaration guarantees
6678-426: The Southern District. It provides teenager services through the Harmony Life Enrichment Centre. It also aims to bridge the divide between teenagers and the elderly in the district through the Linkages Centre, located in Carpark Block, Shek Pai Wan Estate. The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals organisation has a total of four social enterprises in Aberdeen; one of them is Cookeasy, which is a project in collaboration with
6784-406: The Standing Committee declares a state of emergency in Hong Kong, the State Council may enforce national law in the region. The territory's jurisdictional independence is most apparent in its immigration and taxation policies. The Immigration Department issues passports for permanent residents which differ from those of the mainland or Macau, and the region maintains a regulated border with
6890-435: The ability to maintain separate economic and cultural relations with foreign nations . The territory actively participates in the World Trade Organization , the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the International Olympic Committee , and many United Nations agencies. The regional government maintains trade offices in Greater China and other nations. The imposition of the Hong Kong national security law by
6996-402: The aforementioned acts were previously considered protected speech under Hong Kong law. The United Kingdom considers the law to be a serious violation of the Joint Declaration. In October 2020, the Hong Kong Police arrested seven pro- democracy politicians over tussles with pro-Beijing politicians in the Legislative Council in May. They were charged with contempt and interfering with members of
7102-505: The agreement. After more than a year of further hostilities, Hong Kong Island was formally ceded to the United Kingdom in the 1842 Treaty of Nanking . Administrative infrastructure was quickly built by early 1842, but piracy, disease, and hostile Qing policies initially prevented the government from attracting commerce. Conditions on the island improved during the Taiping Rebellion in the 1850s, when many Chinese refugees, including wealthy merchants, fled mainland turbulence and settled in
7208-399: The area of the New Territories has nine districts. Each district is represented by a district council . The district councils advise the government on local issues such as public facility provisioning, community programme maintenance, cultural promotion, and environmental policy. As of 2024, there are a total of 470 district council seats, 88 of which are directly elected. In May 2023,
7314-421: The boats in the harbour is usually provided by sampans . These can also be hired to Lamma Island. Aberdeen Sports Ground is a major sports and events venue in the Southern District . It is usually an annual School Sports Day venue for many local primary and secondary schools in the Southern District. It is also the usual venue of the 30-Hour Famine held by World Vision Hong Kong. The Aberdeen Sports Ground
7420-453: The bus stop "Aberdeen Promenade, Aberdeen Praya Road". This bus stop is located directly beside Aberdeen Harbour. Aberdeen is served by Pok Fu Lam Road , Aberdeen Tunnel and Nam Fung Road through Wong Chuk Hang . Nam Fung Road connects Deep Water Bay Road , which also connects Wong Nai Chung Gap Road to Happy Valley . A bridge called Ap Lei Chau Bridge links Aberdeen with Ap Lei Chau over Aberdeen Harbour. Aberdeen station , of
7526-1041: The chief executive is selected by establishment politicians and corporate members of the Election Committee rather than directly elected. Despite universal suffrage being established as ultimate goals for the election of the chief executive and all members of the Legislative Council in Articles 45 and 68 of the basic law, the legislature is only partially directly elected, and the executive continues to be nominated by an unrepresentative body. The government has been repeatedly petitioned to introduce direct elections for these positions, but has not introduced these direct elections as of 2024. Ethnic minorities (except those of European ancestry) have marginal representation in government and often experience discrimination in housing, education, and employment. Employment vacancies and public service appointments frequently have language requirements which minority job seekers do not meet, and language education resources remain inadequate for Chinese learners. Foreign domestic helpers , mostly women from
7632-739: The citizens of the Southern District for more than half a century along with Queen Mary Hospital (also located near Aberdeen). Grantham Hospital specializes in comprehensive medical treatment for adult heart and lung diseases, as well as acute geriatrics and palliative medicine services. The head office of Wen Wei Po is in the Hing Wai Centre ( 興偉中心 ) in Aberdeen. Canadian International School of Hong Kong , Singapore International School and Victoria Shanghai Academy are all located on Nam Long Shan . Both Canadian International School and Victoria Shanghai Academy are International Baccalaureate World Schools, and run all three educational programs of
7738-621: The colony. Further tensions between the British and Qing over the opium trade escalated into the Second Opium War . The Qing were again defeated and forced to give up Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island in the Convention of Peking . By the end of this war, Hong Kong had evolved from a transient colonial outpost into a major entrepôt . Rapid economic improvement during the 1850s attracted foreign investment, as potential stakeholders became more confident in Hong Kong's future. The colony
7844-575: The council, while none of the pro-Beijing lawmakers were detained. Annual commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre were also cancelled amidst fears of violating the national security law. In March 2021, the Chinese central government unilaterally changed Hong Kong's electoral system and established the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee , which would be tasked with screening and evaluating political candidates for their "patriotism", effectively crushing
7950-462: The end of the New Territories lease approached, and Governor Murray MacLehose raised the question of Hong Kong's status with Deng Xiaoping in 1979. Diplomatic negotiations with China resulted in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration , in which the United Kingdom agreed to the handover of the colony in 1997 and China would guarantee Hong Kong's economic and political systems for 50 years after
8056-512: The fishing village of Aberdeen Harbour. In 2010, the American reality television show The Amazing Race 17 (Leg 10) featured the Aberdeen Harbour as the location of a Detour task, where competitors searched for the right boat in the dark with a torch. In 2011, the Australian reality television show The Amazing Race Australia 1 (Leg 3) featured the Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant as one of
8162-458: The flow of immigration prior to establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 which resulted in a large movement of immigrants and illegal immigration from then onwards. This ordinance is often cited in controversial policies and the restrictive nature of immigration in Hong Kong, especially in regards to right of abode to non-Chinese immigrants after amendments in 1988 to deal with post-handover Hong Kong. Hong Kong Hong Kong
8268-547: The government proposed reforms to the District Council electoral system which further cut the number of directly elected seats from 452 to 88, and total seats from 479 to 470. A requirement that district council candidates be vetted and approved by the District Council Eligibility Review Committee was also proposed. The Legislative Council approved the reforms in July 2023. Hong Kong
8374-418: The handover. The impending handover triggered a wave of mass emigration as residents feared an erosion of civil rights, the rule of law, and quality of life. Over half a million people left the territory during the peak migration period, from 1987 to 1996. The Legislative Council became a fully elected legislature for the first time in 1995 and extensively expanded its functions and organisations throughout
8480-472: The harbour's freshwater influx from the Pearl River or to the odour from incense factories lining the coast of northern Kowloon . The incense was stored near Aberdeen Harbour for export before Victoria Harbour was developed. Sir John Davis (the second colonial governor) offered an alternative origin; Davis said that the name derived from "Hoong-keang" ("red torrent"), reflecting the colour of soil over which
8586-510: The harbour. This town is named in memory of George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen , former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1852-1855) and former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1841-1846). The statesman's title referred to Aberdeen in Scotland. Hong Kong's "Aberdeen" is also the name of a harbour and a housing estate: Starting from the Ming Dynasty , "Hong Kong" became
8692-401: The last years of the colonial rule. The handover of Hong Kong to China was at midnight on 1 July 1997, after 156 years of British rule. Immediately after the handover, Hong Kong was severely affected by several crises. The Hong Kong government was forced to use substantial foreign exchange reserves to maintain the Hong Kong dollar's currency peg during the 1997 Asian financial crisis , and
8798-528: The maritime area is included) consists of Hong Kong Island , the Kowloon Peninsula , the New Territories , Lantau Island , and over 200 other islands. Of the total area, 1,073 km (414 sq mi) is land and 35 km (14 sq mi) is water. The territory's highest point is Tai Mo Shan , 957 metres (3,140 ft) above sea level. Urban development is concentrated on the Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island, and in new towns throughout
8904-875: The neighborhood of Aberdeen. A traditional Cantonese restaurant called Chau Kee ( 周記 ) is located on the Aberdeen Main Road. The noodles restaurants group Nam Kee ( 南記 ) started in Aberdeen in the early 1980s, promoting the "Aberdeen Fish Balls Noodles Culture" ( 香港仔魚蛋粉 ). The Nam Kee has two restaurants in Aberdeen, along with thirteen others in Hong Kong. There are several other Chinese noodles restaurants located in Aberdeen Centre as well. Fast food restaurants such as McDonald's , KFC , Yoshinoya , Fairwood , Café de Coral and Maxim's MX are located in Aberdeen Centre, along with Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong-style fast food restaurants) such as Tai Hing Restaurant ( 太興 ) and Tsui Wah Restaurant . Japanese restaurants such as Genki Sushi , Watei ( 和亭 ) and Sushi Express; Thai One,
9010-726: The north and occasionally result in chilly weather. Autumn is the sunniest season, whilst spring is generally cloudy. Snowfall has been extremely rare in Hong Kong; the last reported instance was on Tai Mo Shan in 1975. Hong Kong averages 1,709 hours of sunshine per year. Historic temperature extremes at the Hong Kong Observatory are 36.6 °C (97.9 °F) on 22 August 2017 and 0.0 °C (32.0 °F) on 18 January 1893. The highest and lowest recorded temperatures in all of Hong Kong are 39.0 °C (102 °F) at Wetland Park on 22 August 2017, and −6.0 °C (21.2 °F) at Tai Mo Shan on 24 January 2016 . Hong Kong has
9116-426: The opium trade. The commissioner destroyed opium stockpiles and halted all foreign trade, triggering a British military response and the First Opium War . The Qing surrendered early in the war and ceded Hong Kong Island in the Convention of Chuenpi . British forces began controlling Hong Kong shortly after the signing of the convention, from 26 January 1841. However, both countries were dissatisfied and did not ratify
9222-475: The original name for the presently-named Aberdeen village. In the early 19th century, foreigners who landed near Aberdeen Village mistook the name of the village "Hong Kong" for the whole island. When the foreigners eventually realized their mistake, the name "Hong Kong" was already commonly used to refer to the entire island. In Cantonese, Aberdeen is known indigenously as Hong Kong Tsai which means "Hong Kong Minor", "Son of Hong Kong" or "Little Hong Kong". It
9328-591: The population speak Mandarin, with 2.3% native speakers and 51.9% as a second language. Traditional Chinese characters are used in writing, rather than the simplified characters used in the mainland . Among the religious population, the traditional " three teachings " of China, Buddhism , Confucianism , and Taoism , have the most adherents (20%), followed by Christianity (12%) and Islam (4%). Followers of other religions, including Sikhism , Hinduism , and Judaism , generally originate from regions where their religion predominates. Life expectancy in Hong Kong
9434-440: The post-war decades to provide safer housing, integrity in the civil service, and more reliable transportation. Nevertheless, widespread public discontent resulted in multiple protests from the 1950s to 1980s, including pro- Republic of China and pro- Chinese Communist Party protests. In the 1967 Hong Kong riots , pro- PRC protestors clashed with the British colonial government. As many as 51 were killed and 802 were injured in
9540-682: The proposed South Island line West Section of the MTR will be in Aberdeen. Currently the closest station is Wong Chuk Hang on the South Island line , where feeder bus and minibus routes to Aberdeen are available. Rail passengers may also reach Aberdeen by using kai-to ferry from Main Street, Ap Lei Chau near Lei Tung station (Exit A1). In addition to the Ap Lei Chau route, regular ferries also depart from Aberdeen to Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma Island , and Po Toi Island . Transport to and from
9646-473: The recovery from this was muted by an H5N1 avian-flu outbreak and a housing surplus. This was followed by the 2003 SARS epidemic , during which the territory experienced its most serious economic downturn. Chinese communists portrayed the return of Hong Kong as key moment in the PRC's rise to great power status. Political debates after the handover have centred around the region's democratic development and
9752-531: The region into a wasteland. The Kangxi Emperor lifted the maritime trade prohibition, allowing foreigners to enter Chinese ports in 1684. Qing authorities established the Canton System in 1757 to regulate trade more strictly, restricting non-Russian ships to the port of Canton . Although European demand for Chinese commodities like tea, silk, and porcelain was high, Chinese interest in European manufactured goods
9858-699: The remainder of the Pro-Democracy camp . Hong Kong is on China's southern coast, 60 km (37 mi) east of Macau, on the east side of the mouth of the Pearl River estuary . It is surrounded by the South China Sea on all sides except the north, which neighbours the Guangdong city of Shenzhen along the Sham Chun River . The territory's 1,110.18 km (428.64 sq mi) area (2,754.97 km if
9964-412: The rest of the country. All travellers between Hong Kong and China and Macau must pass through border controls, regardless of nationality. Mainland Chinese citizens do not have right of abode in Hong Kong and are subject to immigration controls. Public finances are handled separately from the national government; taxes levied in Hong Kong do not fund the central authority. The Hong Kong Garrison of
10070-465: The southern coast of Hong Kong Island. Aberdeen was an initial point of contact between British sailors and local fishermen. Although the source of the romanised name is unknown, it is generally believed to be an early phonetic rendering of the Cantonese (or Tanka Cantonese ) phrase hēung góng . The name translates as "fragrant harbour" or "incense harbour". "Fragrant" may refer to the sweet taste of
10176-481: The southwest. The humid nature of Hong Kong exacerbates the warmth of summer. Typhoons occur most often then, sometimes resulting in floods or landslides. Also rarely occurring are waterspouts and tornadoes , which occurred at Hong Kong International Airport on 26 September 2020 and at Victoria Harbour on 28 September 2024. Winters are short, mild and usually sunny at the beginning, becoming cloudy towards February. Frequent cold fronts bring strong, cooling winds from
10282-460: The territory. The vast majority also hold Chinese nationality , automatically granted to all ethnic Chinese residents at the handover. Headline population density exceeds 7,060 people/km , and is the fourth-highest in the world. The predominant language is Cantonese , a variety of Chinese originating in Guangdong. It is spoken by 93.7% of the population, 88.2% as a first language and 5.5% as
10388-503: The territory. Older government buildings are examples of colonial architecture. The 1846 Flagstaff House , the former residence of the Commander of the British forces in Hong Kong , is the oldest Western-style building in Hong Kong. Some buildings, such as the Court of Final Appeal Building and the Hong Kong Observatory retain their original functions, and others have been adapted and reused ;
10494-415: The total population of the Aberdeen area is approximately 80,000. Aberdeen is famous not only to tourists but also to Hong Kong locals for its floating village and floating seafood restaurants located in the Aberdeen Harbour. The Tanka people , who used to live on boats in the Aberdeen Harbour, are generally associated with the fishing industry, and there are still several dozens of them living on boats in
10600-514: The traders were expelled after military clashes in the 1520s, Portuguese-Chinese trade relations were re-established by 1549 . Portugal acquired a permanent lease for Macau in 1887. After the Qing conquest , maritime trade was banned under the Haijin policies. From 1661 to 1683, the population of most of the area forming present day Hong Kong was cleared under the Great Clearance , turning
10706-475: The violence, including dozens killed by the Royal Hong Kong Police via beatings and shootings. Although the territory's competitiveness in manufacturing gradually declined because of rising labour and property costs, it transitioned to a service-based economy. By the early 1990s, Hong Kong had established itself as a global financial centre and shipping hub. The colony faced an uncertain future as
10812-730: The war, as skilled Chinese migrants fled from the Chinese Civil War and more refugees crossed the border when the Chinese Communist Party took control of mainland China in 1949. Hong Kong became the first of the Four Asian Tiger economies to industrialise during the 1950s. With a rapidly increasing population, the colonial government attempted reforms to improve infrastructure and public services. The public-housing estate programme , Independent Commission Against Corruption , and Mass Transit Railway were all established during
10918-494: The world's largest number of skyscrapers , with 554 towers taller than 150 metres (490 ft), and the third-largest number of high-rise buildings in the world. The lack of available space restricted development to high-density residential tenements and commercial complexes packed closely together on buildable land. Single-family detached homes are uncommon and generally only found in outlying areas. The International Commerce Centre and Two International Finance Centre are
11024-420: Was 81.3 years for males and 87.2 years for females in 2022, one of the highest in the world. Cancer , pneumonia , heart disease , cerebrovascular disease , and accidents are the territory's five leading causes of death. The universal public healthcare system is funded by general-tax revenue, and treatment is highly subsidised; on average, 95% of healthcare costs are covered by the government. The city has
11130-528: Was further expanded in 1898 when the United Kingdom obtained a 99-year lease of the New Territories. The University of Hong Kong was established in 1911 as the territory's first institution of higher education. Kai Tak Airport began operation in 1924, and the colony avoided a prolonged economic downturn after the 1925–26 Canton–Hong Kong strike . At the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, Governor Geoffry Northcote declared Hong Kong
11236-519: Was insignificant, so that Chinese goods could only be bought with precious metals. To reduce the trade imbalance, the British sold large amounts of Indian opium to China. Faced with a drug crisis, Qing officials pursued ever more aggressive actions to halt the opium trade. In 1839, the Daoguang Emperor rejected proposals to legalise and tax opium and ordered imperial commissioner Lin Zexu to eradicate
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