Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a major spaceport city in the Chinese People's Federation, with a population of over 14 million people. It is a part of the Zhusanjiao Megacity, but its unique history sets it apart culturally.

Inhabitants

• Changying
• Yan Sun (Formerly)

Organizations

• The Communist Party of China
• The Little Dragons
• HK PubSec
• Systems Alliance
• Huǒ Xīng Group (Triad)

History

Imperial China

Early on, the area that would one day become Hong Kong was fairly unremarkable. While international trade flourished in Guangzhou, further up the river delta, the Hong Kong area was quiet, home only to a few small villages that relied on salt production or pearl fishing. During the Yuan Dynasty the area's population increased greatly as refugees fled south to avoid Mongol rule. The Ming and Qing Dynasties the region saw much conflict, repelling a Portuguese invasion and suffering internal conflict as much of the population was expelled.

British Rule

Hong Kong was taken from China by the British Empire during the First Opium War. The population of the area grew quickly and during the Second Opium War the land area of the colony was further expanded. During British rule Hong Kong became a major center for trade, but there was a great deal of segregation. Regardless, the area attracted all sorts of people, its status as 'other' than the rest of China making it a haven for anyone from political dissidents and refugees to organized crime and secret societies. The Triads flourished in the bustling freeport, engaging in all sorts of illegal activities - Drug trafficking, prostitution, protection rackets, counter-fitting... there was little they were not involved in. During World War II, which remains the largest conflict that Earth has ever seen to this day, Hong Kong was occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army, suffering atrocities ranging from massacres to mass starvation. Hong Kong's population recovered quickly after the end of the war, with an influx of migrants looking to get away from the new rule of the Communist Party. Business was booming in the 20th century, both legal and otherwise. The city developed in a very different direction both culturally and economically to the country it had once been a part of.

One Country, Two Systems

By the turn of the millennium the British Empire was loosening its grip on the last of its holdings, and Hong Kong was one of them. China was eager to reclaim the center of commerce and industry that the city had become. But Hong Kong, or most of it, at least, was not so eager to reunite with the mainland. A compromise was reached. Hong Kong would become a part of China, but it would be allowed to retain its own ways and laws. At least for a time. The issue of reunification was pushed ahead, and for 50 years Hong Kong existed in China, but still apart from it. New centers of commerce and industry had risen in China, Zhusanjiao chief among them. As the years went by the influence of the Party increased in Hong Kong, and the border started to fade. There was much unrest in these times, and even pushes for true independence, free of both China and Britain.

The Rise of the Federation

The 2050s marked the early stages of the formation of what would become known as the Chinese People's Federation. The acquisition of nearby territory through diplomacy, and on occasion, coercion, led to the CPF. The final stages of Hong Kong's integration into China occurred during this time. There would no longer be two systems. Economically, there was no need. China's own policies had changed a great deal over the years to allow for the rise of powerhouses of industry and trade. Culturally, little care was given. As had happened in Guangzhou before it, Mandarin was instated as the mandatory language of the government, the education system and the media. Freedom of speech was restricted, and the media reigned in. Those that would not conform were pushed to the edges. Out or down.

The Megalopolis

Hong Kong's integration into China continued for several decades, as the world changed, and expanded. Unrest always remained, in many different forms, with many different goals. Some held onto dreams of independence, but most fought for smaller causes. Hong Kong's integration into China also meant the inevitably merging into the massive, sprawling Zhusanjiao Megacity. One of Earth's great megalopolises, centered around the factories of Guangzhou, without equal throughout Asia. Inequality grew during this time, as it did in most places on Earth. Millions lived in poverty even as lavish spires and grand monuments continued to rise up around them. Violent weather wracked the city in these years, a result of the unstable climate that has plagued Earth since the 21st century.

Locations

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island is the richer half of the city, and contains most of the its administration, as well as the central business district and the mountainside mansions of Hong Kong's elite. The city center is a beautiful sight, with skyscrapers rising up in a dazzling array of lights and colors that reflect in the waters of Victoria Harbor. The restrained construction compared to the mainland megacity means there is plenty of green surrounding the center, providing contrast to the cityscape and a reprieve from the busy streets.

Central Business District

The economic core of Hong Kong is home to many of Earth's most powerful companies, as well as several major interstellar players. This is where the city's richest exercise their power from towering spires.

• Heyuan Genomics Building
• Bank of China Tower
• International Finance Center
• The New Center
• The Landmark Complex
• Victoria Prison
• Lan Kwai Fong
• Sun Tower
• Statue Square
• Hong Kong Park
• Synthetics Insights Center
• Eldfell-Ashland Spire

The Admiralty

The Admiralty is closely connected to the Central Business District. It is home to much of Hong Kong's administration, including both the CPF government and the Systems Alliance. The district's history as a place of authority goes all the way back to the British rule, when it was home to a number of military facilities.

• Systems Alliance Regional Headquarters
• HK PubSec Headquarters
• Prince of Wales Building
• Central Government Complex

Wan Chai District

The Wan Chai District is home to much of the city's richer population, as well as many hotels, shopping centers and nightclubs.

• Jiuyou Nightclub
• Fenwick Pier
• Nova Grand Hotel
• Temple of All
• Causeway Bay

Southern District

The Southern District is, along with the Peak, one of the least developed areas of the island, maintaining a semi-rural environment dotted with tourist resorts.

• Fort Stanley
• Ocean Park Hong Kong
• The Cyberport
• Repulse Bay

Eastern District

The eastern part of Hong Kong Island is primarily covered by a large residential zone filled with public housing estates.

• Eastern Residential Zone

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is the highest mountain in Hong Kong, and remains a major feature of the city. Atop the summit sits the vital Hong Kong Communications Nexus, reaching up above the skyscrapers of the city center at the only point it can. The slopes of north slope of the mountain houses the Gardens. The rest of the surrounding area is a mixture of largely untouched nature and extravagant mansions. The Peak has been home to Hong Kong's elite for centuries. Once the mansions belonged to the British nobles that ruled over the local population, now they house the highest government officials and the wealthiest billionaires.

• Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
• The Hong Kong Communication Nexus
• Commander's Residence
• Sun Mansion

Lantau Island

Lantau Island sits to the west of Hong Kong proper, connected to the rest of the city by a series of bridges. Another, massive bridge stretches westward across the bay, connecting to Macau and the rest of the megacity. Most of the island is part of a massive tourist resort, but the reclaimed land to the north houses the Hong Kong International Airport. Far from a relic of the past, the airport is a nexus for planetary travel.

• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Lantau Peak
• Tai O
• Po Lin Monastery

Hei Ling Chau Island

• Hei Ling Chau Correctional Complex

Stonecutters Island

• Stonecutters Island Purification Works

Kowloon Peninsula

The Kowloon Peninsula contains the mainland half of the city center, and is the poorer half of the city. Despite this, the land near Victoria Harbor houses a number of impressive skyscrapers that mirror those of the business district on the other side, in height if not in number.

Kowloon City

Kowloon City is a primarily residential district, but its busy streets are also home to a staggering number of restaurants.

• Holy Trinity Cathedral
• Hong Kong City University

Kwun Tong District

The Kwun Tong District sits on the eastern side of Kowloon, and is one of the poorest districts in the city. A former industrial area, the inhabitants still suffer from the area's lingering pollution. Large public housing projects dominate the area.

• Millennium City
• The Public Housing Estates

Sham Shui Po District

• New Walled City
• Tower of Babel
• Dragon's Den
• The Burn

Wong Tai Sin District

• Wong Tai Sin Temple

Yau Tsim Mong District

• Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Tsing Yi Island

• The Hong Kong Interstellar Spaceport
• The Storage Terminal

Clearwater Bay

• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
• The Waterfront Park
• Sai Kung Water Purifier

Junk Bay

• Dream City

Sha Tin District

• Hong Kong UCC Field

Tai Po District

• The Blanks

Yuen Long District

• Heritage Park

Tuen Mun

• McDonalds Arena
• Golden Beach
• The Monasteries