Much evidence of Hong Kong's early period can also be found in its fishing communities and small villages. On journeys to outlying islands, be sure to look for defensive walls, moats and gatehouses protecting the settlements, as these are the most likely remnants of pre-colonial days.

About 2,200 years ago, during the Qin Dynasty, China claimed Hong Kong and the surrounding area. The Cantonese migrated here during the 12th Century and were followed closely by the Hakka people. Traditional customs and beliefs from these distinct and fascinating Chinese cultures can still be observed throughout modern Hong Kong. Many people continue to pay rent to descendants of the dominant settler families of those times, known as the "Five Great Clans." By the 17th Century, the region was infamous for rebellion and piracy. To solve the problem, the ruling Manchus evacuated the coastal area. A new group of emigrants arrived from the north: the Hakka ("guest" people), a people who made their living by farming and fishing.

To really get a sense for Hong Kong's pre-19th century history, you'll want to visit "The Hong Kong Story" exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of History. It's a fascinating journey back in time more than 400 million years. You'll also find a wealth of ethnic Chinese historical sites worth experiencing.

Arrival of the British
The arrival of the British in the 19th Century marked Hong Kong's emergence in world affairs. British traders originally made their fortunes in the opium trade. They exchanged the infamous commodity for China's silver, silk, tea and spices. Eventually the Chinese Imperial Government, worried about the drug's effects on its population, sought to ban the import of opium. Britain deemed this ban against its interests in the region. It wanted to strengthen its foothold with a port, free of Imperial control, which led to the Opium Wars (1840-42). Queen Victoria's gunboats triumphed and Hong Kong Island was ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. Sir Henry Pottinger became its first governor. Today, these first vestiges of British influence live on in a number of Colonial historical sites that rank among Hong Kong's most popular attractions.

The Territory Expands
The Chinese continued trading actively in Hong Kong which resulted in intermittent hostilities between the two nations. Britain's response was to seek protection by taking more territory for itself. The Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutter's Island were handed over to Britain in 1860 and in 1898 a 99-year lease was granted for the area known as the New Territories.

Today, Kowloon is home to bustling outdoor markets, the amazing "golden mile" of shopping venues down Nathan Road, and the dazzling neon streets of tourist-friendly Tsim Sha Tsui. The scenic New Territories connect Kowloon to mainland China and are well known for their ornate temples, sandy bays and rolling woodlands.

The 20th Century: from Strength to Strength
Hong Kong's cityscape soon reflected its status as an important trading port. The Peak Tram Railway was built in 1888, and remains a "must do" for any Hong Kong visitor. It was followed by a new tramway system in 1904 and a new railway to Canton six years later.

At the turn of the century about 11,000 ships berthed in Hong Kong each year. A decade later the number had doubled. The city's legacy as Asia's best deep water harbor continues today, both for industrial and recreational purposes. Today the world's finest cruise liners embark from Hong Kong's spectacular Ocean Terminal for regional cruises to exotic locales including China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and Korea. Though the founding of the Republic of China, the Sino-Japanese War, the Second World War and the revolution of 1949 all impacted on the territory, they also injected new vigor with refugees joining Hong Kong's teeming workplace. In the 1950s Hong Kong began a new era as a manufacturing and industrial center with capital and manufacturing expertise brought along by these immigrants. Textiles, electronics, watches and many other low-priced goods stamped "Made in Hong Kong" flowed from the city in ever increasing quantities. For the Hong Kong visitor, you'll also find great buys on many of these manufactured goods in the city's famous marketplaces and shopping venues.