CITY CONSTRUCTION IN HONG KONG BY THE BRITISH DURING THE OPIUM WAR

Disposition and use of the lands from the standpoint of the geographical and natural environment in Hong Kong Island

Abstract

This paper discusses the city construction in Hong Kong from the 26th of January, 1841 to the 26th of June, 1843. By analyzing land policy, the result of the first land auction, and the disposition and the use of the lands, the following findings are clarified;
•The settlers constructed the city according to economic efficiency and without a comprehensive governmental plan.
•The elements that determined the shape and the disposition of the settlements were the height of the tide, the slope of the hill, the availability of water and sunlight, and the ventilation.