ong Kong Island became a British colony in 1842, later joined by Kowloon and the New Territories. In 1997 the territory was handed back to China and became a Special Administrative Region. That history shows in the streets: double-decker trams, Taoist temples, markets and skyscrapers side by side.
To understand it, cross the harbour on the Star Ferry, ride up to the Peak and lose yourself in Kowloon’s markets. Then leave the city behind: around 40% of the territory is protected country park, with beaches and trails reachable by bus.