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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
Christmas decorations in Landmark in Central, Hong Kong, in 1988. 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

Princess Diana

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

Hong Kong

In pictures: when textiles drove the golden age of ‘Made in Hong Kong’

The textile and garment industry was the engine that drove Hong Kong’s economic rise from backwater to boomtown.

A workshop at the Clothing Industry Training Centre in Kwai Chung in 1977. Photo: SCMP Archives
Hong Kong transport

On This Day | Hong Kong discontinues trial all-night tram service in 1990 – SCMP archive

On November 10, 1990, Hong Kong Tramways put a stop to the trial service after receiving noise complaints from district boards.

Photography

In pictures: sports icons in Hong Kong, from Pelé to Serena Williams

From Kobe Bryant to Diego Maradona, these global sports stars found inspiration, fans and unforgettable moments in Hong Kong.

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Halloween

In pictures: how Hong Kong made Halloween its own

From street parties to theme park parades, Hong Kong has transformed Halloween into a night of playful spectacle.

People dressed in playful costumes celebrate Halloween in Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong in 1995. Photo: SCMP Archives
China’s one-child policy

On This Day | In 2015, China announces end to one-child policy – from the SCMP archive

Ten years ago, Chinese officials revealed they were ending the controversial one-child policy in a bid to reverse slowing population growth.

History

In pictures: When 40,000 people queued for stamps in Hong Kong

From Queen Elizabeth’s 60th birthday to the 1997 handover, limited-edition stamps captured the city’s history in miniature.

Hong Kong

In pictures: Sheung Wan’s Tai Tat Tei, or ‘Poor Man’s Nightclub’

Before Sheung Wan’s Tai Tat Tei was cleared for reclamation, it was where fortune-tellers, opera singers and hawkers gathered nightly.

Hungry tourists at one of Tai Tat Tei’s lively open-air restaurants in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, in 1986. Photo: SCMP Archives
Hong Kong

On This Day | Awe and wonder as Hong Kong Space Museum opens in 1980 – SCMP archive

On October 7, 1980, the landmark Tsim Sha Tsui building with its distinctive egg-shaped dome was officially opened.

The Hong Kong Space Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui under construction in 1978. Photo: Sunny Lee
Mid-Autumn Festival

In pictures: Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations from the 1970s to 90s

Mooncakes, lanterns and fire dragon dances have long been hallmarks of this festival marking the full moon at the end of harvest season.

Hong Kong

In pictures: when Ocean Terminal welcomed the world, from the 1960s to the 90s

Ocean Terminal was visited by Queen Elizabeth, with the most luxurious cruise liners and navy ships alike docking at the pier.

Hong Kong entertainment

On This Day | Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love opens in Hong Kong in 2000 – SCMP archive

On September 29, 2000, the Hong Kong director’s celebrated cinematic love story was screened in theatres across the city for the first time.

Maggie Cheung Man-yuk and Tony Leung Chiu-wai in the film “In The Mood For Love”. Photo: Jet Tone Production
First Mention

When the London Philharmonic Orchestra came to Hong Kong and Asia

The LPO performed in Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, Seoul and Tokyo, with John Pritchard and Jerzy Semkow taking turns conducting.

Malcolm Sargent in a final rehearsal with members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra in Hammersmith Town Hall, in preparation for the orchestra’s Asia tour. Photo: PA Images via Getty Images
Hong Kong weather

On This Day | When Typhoon Wanda wreaked havoc on Hong Kong in 1962 – SCMP archive

On September 1, 1962, Hong Kong experienced one of its deadliest typhoons, which killed 130 people and left 52 missing.

Hong Kong weather

On This Day | Super Typhoon Rose claims 110 lives in Hong Kong in 1971 – SCMP archive

Super Typhoon Rose hit Hong Kong in August 1971, killing 110 people and causing the collapse of a housing estate.

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Hong Kong weather

On This Day | When Typhoon Hope battered Hong Kong in 1979, killing 12 people – SCMP archive

Hong Kong was hit by Typhoon Hope in August 1979, resulting in 12 deaths and widespread economic damage across the city.

A lorry lying on its side after Typhoon Hope hit Hong Kong on August 2, 1979. Photo: Chan Kiu
History

In pictures: what Hong Kong’s mobile phones of the 1980s and 90s looked like

Oversized, aspirational and impossible to ignore. First-gen mobile phones in Hong Kong were, most of all, status symbols.

Hong Kong

In pictures: when the Light Rail Transit system transformed transport

The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) opened the LRT in 1988, providing the New Territories with more convenient transport besides buses or minibuses.

First Mention

When a sculptor designed a first-of-its-kind playground for Hong Kong kids

American artist Paul Selinger created huge sculptures for children to climb on and explore in the 1960s.

Shek Lei Playground in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong, in 1970, designed by American artist Paul Selinger. Photo: courtesy Information Services Department
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

In pictures: when Disneyland opened in Hong Kong in 2005

Jacky Cheung goofed around with Mickey Mouse at the park’s castle topping ceremony, and fans queued for the Orbitron ride on opening day on September 12, 2005.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse perform on stage with other characters in front of the castle of Sleeping Beauty at the official opening of Hong Kong Disneyland on September 12, 2005. Photo: SCMP Archives
Hong Kong culture

In pictures: the underworld’s gates open for Hungry Ghost Festival

Incense fills the streets and bamboo theatres are erected ... here’s a look at how Hong Kong has marked the return of the spirits over the years.

Crime in Hong Kong

On This Day | Hong Kong ‘milkshake murderer’ Kissel jailed for life in 2005 – SCMP archive

On September 1, 2005, Kissel was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her husband, ending one of the city’s most sensational trials.

History

On This Day | SCMP publishes its first post-war edition in 1945 – from the archive

On this day 80 years ago, the Post’s first issue after the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong was published, ending a nearly four-year hiatus.

Captain R.J. McGaral RM, of HMS Venerable, the fleet aircraft carrier that took part in the reoccupation of Hong Kong, checks over surrendered arms at Whitfield Camp, Kowloon, where Japanese soldiers were interned, in September 1945. Photo: British Forces
First Mention

When 15 people died from a cholera outbreak in Hong Kong

In 1961, 2 suspected cholera cases led to an extensive vaccination campaign and the confiscation of produce in Hong Kong’s markets.

A girl receives an anti-cholera injection at a government clinic in Hong Kong, in 1961. Photo: SCMP Archives
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

In pictures: the enduring appeal of Hong Kong’s herbal tea shops

Chinese herbal teas may be bitter, but they are said to have health benefits – even Chris Patten drank them.

First Mention

When 4 people were killed after a boy fell into a remote Hong Kong village well

In 1981, residents of a worm-farming community were left devastated after a 14-year-old fell into a well and 3 of his rescuers perished.

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