Hong Kong Geography
What is the terrain and geography like in Hong Kong?
Overview
The seaward, or south side of Hong Kong Island, is made up of a rugged shoreline with high cliffs and sheltered bays. The interior is rough terrain with steep hills and small valleys. The highest area, known as the Peak, is 555 meters (1,830 ft.) above sea level and has a breathtaking view of the scenic harbor and Kowloon on one side and the offshore islands and South China Sea on the other.The Kowloon Peninsula is directly across the harbor from Hong Kong Island. It is separated from the New Territories by groups of hills, the highest of which rises to more than 3,000 feet. The Kowloon area, with its major subdivisions of Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui, is the leading industrial area of Hong Kong, as well as a major residential area and tourist center with many hotels and shops. The major railway station, Hung Hom, serving Guangzhou, is also located in this densely populated area.
The New Territories comprises an area of 355 square miles between Kowloon and the Chinese border and also includes some 235 small offshore islands. This area accounts for most of the HKSAR's agricultural activity and a growing portion of its industrial and residential sectors. The topography is mostly steep hills and marshes, but many places are used for small farms. The only major agriculture on the offshore islands is on Lantau Island, the largest. The remaining islands are small, and, if inhabited, are primarily fishing bases. The rustic character of the New Territories has been transformed in recent years with the construction of major satellite towns such as Sha Tin and Tuen Mun, where large numbers of Hong Kong residents live.
Geography - note
composed of more than 200 islandsHong Kong Use of Natural Resources
| Geographic Location | Asia |
| Total Area |
426 Square Miles 1,104 Square Kilometers |
| Land Area |
407 Square Miles 1,054 Square Kilometers |
| Water Area |
19 Square Miles 50 Square Kilometers |
| Land Boundaries |
19 Miles 30 Kilometers |
| Border Countries | regional border: China 30 km |
| Coastline |
455 Miles 733 Kilometers |
| Geographic Coordinates | 22 15 N, 114 10 E |
| Terrain | hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north |
| Highest Point | 958 Meters |
| Highest Point Location | Tai Mo Shan 958 m |
| Lowest Point Location | South China Sea 0 m |
| Natural Resources | outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar |
