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From our archives

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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
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
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.

Queen Elizabeth II

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

Hong Kong culture

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

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.

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.

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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.

1st Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles on riot control duty in Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong during the Star Ferry Riots, April 1966. A foretaste of the Cultural Revolution disturbances one year later.
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.

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.

Hong Kong players run out on to the pitch at the first sevens in 1976. Photo: HKRFU
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.

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.

Children show off their skills at the Pok Fu Lam Public Riding School in Hong Kong in 1987. Photo: SCMP Archives
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.

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.

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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.

Women with peach blossoms they bought at a flower market in January 1979. Photo: SCMP Archives
Old Hong Kong

In pictures: Hong Kong’s coldest days from the 1970s to 2010s

It doesn’t happen often, but Hong Kong occasionally experiences frost and ice during cold snaps, as these images from our archives capture.

Hong Kong Marathon

On This Day | Drama in Hong Kong’s first international marathon in 1969 – SCMP archive

Ahead of Sunday’s Hong Kong Standard Chartered Marathon, we look back at Hong Kong’s first international marathon, more than 55 years ago.

Hong Kong Marathon

On This Day | Hong Kong marathons throughout the years – SCMP archive

Ahead of Sunday’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, the Post looks back at the city’s marathon history.

Runners during the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in 1999. This was the first time the running event was held in the heart of the city. Photo: David Wong
History

In Pictures: majestic sailing ships that made Hong Kong a port of call

Hong Kong waters have long attracted some of the world’s most impressive sailing boats, harking back to the days when wind power ruled the waves.

Ship ahoy ... the Sail Training Association of Japan’s full-masted brigantine, the Kaisei, visits Hong Kong to drum up support for an Asian society of novice sailors, in 1994. Photo: SCMP Archives
Netflix

On This Day | Netflix launches in Hong Kong in 2016 – from the SCMP archive

Ten years ago, Netflix officially entered Hong Kong with a ‘limited’ catalogue amid talk of being a threat to local pay TV service providers.

Mainland China

On This Day | ‘No mission impossible’: first Hongkonger to reach North, South Poles – SCMP archive

Twenty years ago on January 5, 2006, 52-year-old Chung Kin-man returned to Hong Kong after becoming the first person from the city to trek to both poles.

Swimming

Hong Kong swimmers braving the cold on New Year’s Day, from the 1970s to 2000s

A perennial test of courage, the city’s New Year Winter Swimming Lifesaving Championships race celebrates its 50th year in 2026.

Young participants in the 1978 New Year Winter Swimming Lifesaving Championships organised by the Hong Kong Life Guard Club, now called the Hong Kong Life Saving Society. Photo: SCMP Archives
Christmas

In pictures: Hong Kong’s parties of Christmas (and New Year’s) past

The festive season is a good excuse to let your hair down – and Hongkongers do love to party.

Staff members of trading firm FocalPoint International enjoying themselves in a special Christmas party held at the skating rink in Cityplaza in Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP Archives
Christmas

In pictures: Hong Kong’s Christmas festivities, from the 1970s to 90s

In the late 20th century, Hong Kong transformed into a hub of festive cheer with bright lights, seasonal decor and plenty of Christmas treats.

Hong Kong society

On This Day | Hong Kong’s Mandatory Provident Fund launches in 2000 – from the SCMP archive

On this day 25 years ago, Hong Kong implemented its Mandatory Provident Fund scheme, requiring employees and employers to make monthly contributions.

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