Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China, consisting of a mainland portion located on the country’s southeastern coast and about 235 islands.

Hong Kong had been a British dependency from 29 August 1842 when the Qing government was forced to cede the island of Hong Kong to Britain after the First Opium War, until 1 July 1997 when it passed to Chinese sovereignty as the Hong Kong SAR.

Hong Kong’s mainland portion consists of the urban area of Kowloon and a portion of the New Territories, a large area that became part of Hong Kong in 1898.

Just across Kowloon’s southern coast lies Hong Kong Island, where the city of Hong Kong (also known as Victoria) all began. The city is the site of the SAR government offices and the chief business district, known as Central. One of Hong Kong’s greatest assets is the spectacular Victoria Harbour between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, offering the ultimate experience for day or night bay cruises.

About 10 km (6 mi) west of Hong Kong Island is Lantau Island, ceded to Hong Kong as part of the New Territories but often considered separate from that region. Also called Tai Yue Island, Lantau is the largest island in the chain and is where Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Disneyland are located.

Together, this bustling, cosmopolitan centre is filled with stunning attractions, a fascinating East-meets-West cultural landscape, green vistas, a vibrant nightlife and friendly people, all of which promises a lifetime of memorable experiences in just one visit.