New Territories

Butterfly Bay, Tuen Mun, NT, Hong Kong in 2017

HKRegionalCouncilFlag

Map of The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory in 1898 - 1

Error creating thumbnail:

British take over the New Territories

New Territories (NT) is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It is the largest region by area, covering approximately 952 square kilometers. The New Territories includes significant rural areas, new towns, and smaller cities. It was leased from China by the British Empire in 1898 for 99 years, but it is now part of China again following the 1997 Handover of Hong Kong.

History

The New Territories was leased to the British Empire as a result of the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory signed on 9 June 1898. The lease was a response to the British's need for expansion, driven by the growing population and economic activities in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The area was returned to China in 1997, as part of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, an agreement signed by the British and Chinese governments in 1984, which stipulated that Hong Kong would operate under the principle of "one country, two systems" for 50 years after the handover.

Geography

The New Territories is bordered by the Shenzhen River to the north, separating it from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, and by the Tai Mo Shan mountain, the highest peak in Hong Kong, to the south. It encompasses a variety of landscapes, including mountains, woodlands, wetlands, and islands. The region is home to the Hong Kong Global Geopark, which showcases its unique geological features.

Administration

The New Territories is divided into districts, each with its own district council. These councils are responsible for advising the government on local matters such as public facilities, community programs, and environmental policies. The major new towns in the New Territories, such as Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, Tai Po, and Tsuen Wan, have developed into significant residential and commercial centers.

Economy

The economy of the New Territories is diverse, with industries ranging from agriculture and fishing to high-tech. It has seen significant industrial growth, particularly in technology parks such as the Hong Kong Science Park in Sha Tin. The region also supports a variety of service industries, including retail, education, and tourism. Rural areas in the New Territories still practice traditional farming and fishing.

Culture and Society

The New Territories is known for its cultural heritage, including walled villages, traditional festivals, and temples. It is home to many of Hong Kong's indigenous inhabitants, the Hakka and Cantonese people, who have maintained their traditional way of life alongside modern developments. The region also hosts several important cultural and religious sites, such as the Che Kung Temple and the Tin Hau Temple.

Transportation

Transportation in the New Territories is well-developed, with an extensive network of public transport services including the Mass Transit Railway (MTR), buses, minibuses, and ferries. The MTR's East Rail Line and West Rail Line serve as major arteries connecting the New Territories with Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The region is also served by the Hong Kong International Airport, located on Lantau Island, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which provides direct road access to the Pearl River Delta region.

Challenges

The New Territories faces several challenges, including managing urban development while preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Issues such as illegal land use, waste management, and the integration of new and old communities are ongoing concerns. Additionally, the region is at the forefront of Hong Kong's housing crisis, with a need for affordable housing solutions.