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From our archives
How the South China Morning Post covered occasions, news, happenings and events big and small since its founding in 1903
Fishermen at Sheung Wan, in 1984. Photo: SCMP Archives
History

In pictures: Hong Kong’s fishing industry through the years

Commercial fishing was once much more integral to the city’s way of life, as SCMP photographers documented.

Hong Kong

On This Day | Jackie Chan, Sly Stallone attend 1994 Planet Hollywood opening – SCMP archive

Hong Kong

On This Day | Gazza and the ‘Dentist’s Chair’: England’s wild trip to Hong Kong – SCMP archive

Hong Kong society

On This Day | Australian makes first swim around Hong Kong Island in 1976 – SCMP archive

On this day 50 years ago, Australia’s Linda McGill completed the first 45km swim around Hong Kong Island in 17 hours.

Australia’s Linda McGill smiles after completing the first 45km swim around Hong Kong Island on May 22, 1976. File photo: SCMP
Hong Kong culture

In pictures: crossing the Hong Kong-mainland China border through the decades

Discover how Hong Kong-mainland border crossings transformed from slow, queue-filled journeys in the 1970s to today’s seamless high-speed rail trips.

Hong Kong

On This Day | In 1961, Typhoon Alice claims 4 lives in Hong Kong – SCMP archive

On this day in 1961, a typhoon that hit the city injured around 20 and led to four – two women and two children – being killed.

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Hong Kong society

On This Day | Hong Kong’s HK$690 million Central Library opens in 2001 – SCMP archive

25 years ago, the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay opened to the public after years of controversy and months of delays.

Hong Kong’s Central Library was mired by controversy and criticism prior to its opening in May 2001. Photo: David Wong
Hong Kong

On This Day | Hong Kong’s iconic Bank of China Tower opens in 1990 – SCMP archive

Opening 36 years ago today, the landmark skyscraper was Hong Kong’s tallest at the time.

Russia

On This Day | In 2021, China becomes the third country to land a rover on Mars – SCMP archive

On this day five years ago, China became the third country in the world to safely land a rover on Mars after months of space travel.

Cathay Pacific

On This Day | Cathay Pacific debuts on Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1986 – SCMP archive

On this day 40 years ago, the city’s flagship carrier opened to public trading on the stock exchange.

A Cathay Pacific Convair 880-22M-4 passes over Taikoo Dockyard in Hong Kong, during a publicity event in October 1968. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong culture

On This Day | In 1946, Hong Kong’s governor Sir Mark Young returns after WWII – SCMP archive

On this day 80 years ago, Sir Mark Young returned to Hong Kong after being a prisoner of war during the Japanese occupation.

Sir Mark Young (left) in an undated picture. He was serving as Hong Kong’s governor when the territory fell under Japanese occupation in 1941. Photo: SCMP Archive
Queen Elizabeth II

On This Day | A look back on Queen Elizabeth’s life, a century since her birth – SCMP archive

On this day 100 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II was born. Here’s a look back at SCMP’s coverage of some highlights from her life and reign.

Hong Kong culture

In pictures: Hong Kong’s groundbreaking Wah Fu public housing estate

Wah Fu Estate’s iconic 1968 design, community spirit and ongoing redevelopment make this Hong Kong landmark a compelling story of heritage, architecture and urban change.

Mainland China

In pictures: Hong Kong’s watchmaking industry through the decades

How time flies: a look back at Hong Kong’s watch industry from the 1960s to the 2000s.

Students learn how to make watches at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Studies, in Kowloon Tong, in 1999, when the process of manufacturing moving from Hong Kong to mainland China was well underway. Photo: May Tse
Rugby World Cup Sevens

In pictures: 50 years of mud, sweat and beers at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

Try, try again: a look back at the thrilling sporting action of Hong Kong’s premier tournament.

New Zealand’s Dallas Seymour powers his way through the mud as his team faces Hong Kong at the 1992 Cathay Pacific-Hongkong Bank Invitation Sevens at Hong Kong Stadium. The All Blacks won, obviously. Photo: SCMP Archives
Hong Kong society

On This Day | HSBC’s HK$5 billion headquarters opens in Hong Kong in 1986 – SCMP archive

When it opened 40 years ago, the bank’s new headquarters was the most expensive building in the world.

Hong Kong

On This Day | Riots over Star Ferry fare increase kill 1 as 1,800 arrested – SCMP archive

Sixty years ago in April 1966, thousands of Hongkongers protested over planned 5-cent increase to Star Ferry ticket prices.

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Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s unified stock exchange opens for trading in 1986 – SCMP archive

40 years ago today, the city’s unified stock exchange opened for business in Exchange Square in Central.

Traders prepare for the first day of trading on the floor of Hong Kong’s new stock exchange, April 2, 1986. Photo: SCMP
Hong Kong society

On This Day | World’s first Chinese-language TV station goes off-air in 2016 – SCMP archive

In 2016, Hong Kong-based Asia Television ceased broadcasting after 59 years on air.

Hong Kong Sevens

On This Day | First Hong Kong Sevens rugby tourney held in 1976 – SCMP archive

50 years ago today, the city hosted its first international rugby sevens tournament at the Hong Kong Football Club.

Art

In pictures: Hong Kong’s public art sculptures, from the 1970s to today

A look back at the public art that has adorned the city’s streets over the years, from Bruce Lee to giant water buffaloes.

The Bamboo Man sculpture by multimedia artist André Heller is lit up in readiness for its journey across Victoria Harbour in May 1992. Photo: SCMP Archives
Crime in Hong Kong

On This Day | Hong Kong subway shootout in 2006 leaves 2 policemen dead – SCMP archive

20 years ago, an off-duty policeman who turned out to be one of Hong Kong’s most notorious serial killers shot two constables in a Tsim Sha Tsui subway.

The shootout happened at the junction of Canton Road and Austin Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Handout
Earthquakes

On This Day | Deadly earthquake that claimed thousands of lives in Japan – SCMP archive

On this day 15 years ago, one of the most powerful earthquakes on record triggered a devastating tsunami in Japan, killing more than 18,000.

Hong Kong Jockey Club

In pictures: horse play in Hong Kong, from the 1970s to the 2000s

A look at how the city’s public horseback riding schools opened the gates to a sport long associated with private clubs and privilege.

Taiwan

On This Day | Ang Lee becomes first Asian person to win directing Oscar in 2006 – SCMP archive

Twenty years ago on March 5, 2006, Lee won the Academy Award for best director for the film Brokeback Mountain.

Ang Lee holds his Oscar for achievement in directing. He is the first Asian winner of the award. Photo: EPA
Lunar New Year

In pictures: Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year obsession with good fortune

To celebrate the Year of the Horse, we take a look back at how Hong Kong invited good luck through traditional customs from the 1970s to the 2000s.

A girl spins a “wheel of fortune” outside the Che Kung Temple, in Sha Tin, on the third day of the Lunar New Year in 1986. Photo: SCMP Archives
Hong Kong society

On This Day | 1 runner resuscitated, 22 hospitalised in 2006 marathon – from the SCMP archive

Twenty years ago on February 12, 2006, amid the worst air pollution in months, multiple participants in city’s annual race sought medical attention.

Year of the Horse 2026

In pictures: Hong Kong readies for Lunar New Year

A look at how Hongkongers have prepared for the most significant Chinese holiday of the year, from the 1970s to the 2000s.

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