From Isolated Fishing Village to Cosmopolitan City: Geographical Changes of Hong Kong in Modern Times

Abstract

In recent years, the economic and social development and urbanisation of the Hong Kong region have shown a vigorous development under the implementation of one country, two systems. Historical studies of Hong Kong have also gradually received attention from the society and the academia, but the existing studies are relatively weak on the geographic location change of Hong Kong’s social development in modern times. This paper examines the process of geographic location change in Hong Kong in the modern era, in order to provide ideas on historical geography for the study of Hong Kong history. Although colonial rule brought Hong Kong deep sufferings and humiliation, making full use of its geographical advantages and actively seizing every opportunity for development, Hong Kong gradually arose from a small fishing village to a ccosmopolitan city. Its diversified economy, prosperous industries and active financial market have attracted investors and talents from all over the world. Hong Kong had gradually realized the transformation and development of modernization, and had become a shining pearl in the South China Sea.