Hong Kong

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of China

HONG KONG (香港)

Staturs: Special administrative district

Origin/Meaning: Hong Kong does not have a true heraldic arms, but uses the above symbol.

Hong Kong was a British possession and crown colony from the 17th century until 1997.

The colonial arms were granted on January 21, 1959 and show two Chinese junks (ship). The chief shows a naval crown, indicating the importance of the city as a harbour for the Royal Navy. The embattled chief also indicates that the city was a military fortress. The supporters are the British lion and the Chinese dragon.

After the transfer from Hong Kong to China the Times in London showed the following cartoon :

The arms were base don the colonial badge used since 1843. The badge depicted three Chinese merchant ships and a pile of cargo on a wharf on the left in the foreground. In the background there was a square-rigged ship and a Chinese junk in the harbour backed by conical hills. Above all this arms of the United Kingdom were shown.

The badge of Hong Kong