History of Hong Kong

Summary

• Hong Kong was returned to China in the year 1997 from Great Britain.
• English is the secondary language in Hong Kong and Cantonese is the primary language.
• People drive on the left side of the road.
• Hong Kong is under "One country, two systems" rule. This means China will permit Hong Kong to continue self-rule for fifty years.
• People in Hong Kong people enjoy more freedom on the Chinese mainland. These freedoms include religion and sexuality.
• In Hong Kong's culture, people work six day a week and up to ten or fourteen hours a day.

The history of Hong Kong...

As many already know, Hong Kong was occupied by Great Britain for many years. Just a few years ago, in 1997 to be exact, Hong Kong was returned back to China. Hong Kong was one of the economic powerhouses in the twentieth century. Hong Kong's living standard is only second to Japan in Asia.

You may ask, what sets Hong Kong apart from other cities in China? For starters, Hong Kong is a place where culture is embraced. When you just step foot into the city, you can see that Hong Kong includes every type of people from every continent.

The people are so diverse that the English language has almost become the primary language (only second to Cantonese). If you travel to Hong Kong, language can be the least of your worries. But you may need to keep your eyes open on the street, because people drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Besides the cultural aspect, the people of Hong Kong enjoy more freedom than the China's mainland. Why, you may ask? Before the British agreed to return Hong Kong back to China, China had to agree "One Country, Two Systems." Meaning China would permit Hong Kong to continue self-rule for fifty years.

Hong Kong and its freedom...

Because of this freedom, the people are able to enjoy the freedom of religion and sexuality. People can practice any religion they choose, and they do not have to register with the government. For example, people in Hong Kong are able to practice the Falun Gong religion, even though it's banned on the mainland.

Hong Kong's gay and lesbian communities are more openly embraced than on the Chinese mainland. For example, gay and lesbian actors and directors are still able to work without experiencing prejudice.

Wow, you may think Hong Kong is great. So great, that you want to live there. Hehehe, if you are lazy as I am, Hong Kong may not be the place for you. People work six days a week and up to ten or fourteen hours a day. Please do keep in mind, these hours are not just for sweatshops. By the way, this is not a joke.

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