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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
Queen Elizabeth II inspects the Royal Gurkha Rifles in Central during her second visit to Hong Kong on October 21, 1986. File photo: Howard Walker
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

Mainland China

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

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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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.

Visitors bundled up against the cold to see the frost on Tai Mo Shan, where the temperature fell to minus three degrees Celsius in December 1975. Photo: SCMP Archives
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.

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.

Netflix entered the Hong Kong market on this day 10 years ago. Photo: AFP
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.

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.

Christmas decorations in Landmark in Central, Hong Kong, in 1988. Photo: SCMP Archives
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.

Princess Diana

On This Day | ‘I knew about Charles’ lover’: Princess Diana’s 1995 admission – SCMP archive

Thirty years ago, Princess Diana made the revelation on national TV: ‘There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded’.

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