when did hong kong go back to china
Transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong The Handover of Hong Kong (or simply "the Handover"), also known as "the Return" in mainland China, was the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China in a ceremony on 30 June 1997. The territory of Hong Kong comprised Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, which were ceded to Britain in 1842 and 1860, respectively, and the New Territories, which was leased for 99 years in 1898. The retrocession of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon was conducted to coincide with the expiration of the New Territories' lease at midnight on 30 June. The landmark event marked the end of British rule in Hong Kong, and is regarded by some as marking the end of the British Empire.
Hong Kong Hong Kong was formerly a colony of the British Empire, after Qing China ceded Hong Kong Island at the conclusion of the First Opium War in 1842. Originally a lightly populated area of farming and fishing villages,[16] the territory has become one of the most significant financial centres and trade ports in the world.[17] With the exception of the Second World War, during which the colony was occupied by the Empire of Japan, Hong Kong remained under British control until 1997, when it was returned to China. As a special administrative region, Hong Kong maintains a separate political and economic system apart from mainland China.[18]