香港島

香港其一個主要島嶼。

Hong Kong Island (香港島) is the island where the original settlement of the Hong Kong territory, Victoria, was located. It is the historical, political and economic centre of Hong Kong. Victoria is the name of the harbour in Hong Kong where the ships used to come in for trade. There are many beautiful sightseeing spots such as 'The Peak', and various big shopping malls.

Administration

Districts of Hong Kong located on the island:

• Central and Western district
• Eastern district
• Southern District, Hong Kong
• Wan Chai (including Causeway Bay)

Note: Hong Kong Island is not part of the Islands District.

History

Hong Kong Island was first occupied militarily by Captain Charles Elliot, British Royal Navy, on January 20, 1841. It was known as the "barren rock".

Geography

Hong Kong Island is the second largest island of the territory, the largest being Lantau Island. Its area makes up approximately 7% of the total territory. It is separated from the mainland (Kowloon Peninsula) by Victoria Harbour.

Demographics

Its population of 1,367,900 (2000) makes up approximately 19% of that of the territory. Thus the population density is higher than for the whole of Hong Kong, ca. 18,000 per km² (versus 7,000). Together with Kowloon, it contains 47% of the total population.

Transportation

The Island Line of the MTR metro network runs exclusively on Hong Kong Island, from West to East, along the northern coastline of the island.

Hong Kong Tramways run exclusively on Hong Kong Island.

Hong Kong Island is connected to the Kowloon Peninsula on the mainland by 3 vehicle tunnels and 3 MTR rail tunnels. A fourth rail link is under planning. There is no bridge connection between the island and the mainland. A bridge with four lanes connects Ap Lei Chau (island) and Hong Kong Island. It opened in 1983 with two lanes and was extended to four in 1997.

See also

• List of buildings, sites and areas in Hong Kong
• Islands of Hong Kong