History of Hong Kong

The History of Hong Kong, a coastal island located off the southern coast of China, began with its incorporation into the Chinese empire during the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC), although archaeological findings suggest that the region has been inhabited since the Old Stone Age. Starting out as a fishing village and salt production site, Hong Kong later evolved into an important free port and eventually a major international financial centre.

Archaeological findings suggesting human activity in Hong Kong date back over 30,000 years. Stone tools from the Old Stone Age have been excavated in Sai Kung in Wong Tei Tung. The stone tools found in Sai Kung were perhaps from a stone tool making ground. Religious carvings on outlying islands and coastal areas have also been found, possibly related to She people in the Neolithic. The latest findings dating from the Paleolithic suggest that Wong Tei Tung (黃地峒) is one of the most ancient settlements in Hong Kong.

The territory that now comprises Hong Kong was incorporated into China during the Qin dynasty (221 – 206 BC), and the area was firmly consolidated under the ancient kingdom of Nanyue (203 – 111 BC). During the Qin dynasty, the territory was governed by Panyu County until the time of the Jin dynasty.

Archaeological evidence indicates that the population increased during the Han dynasty (206 BC – AD 220). In the 1950s, the tomb at Lei Cheng Uk from the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 AD) was excavated and archaeologists began to investigate the possibility that salt production flourished in Hong Kong around 2000 years ago, although conclusive evidence has not been found. Tai Po Hoi, the sea of Tai Po, was a major pearl hunting harbour in China from the Han dynasty through to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), with activities peaking during the Southern Han (917–971).

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