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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
last updated:
9 September, 2024
The inaugural ceremony of the Tian Tan Buddha statue rising before the Po Lin Temple on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, in 1993. Photo: SCMP Archives
Old Hong Kong

The rocky path to enlightenment: the building of Hong Kong’s Big Buddha

Plans for the ‘Big Buddha’ on Lantau Island were first announced in 1969, but the statue was not completed until 1990 – and opened only 3 years later.

Hong Kong transport

On This Day | When Hong Kong’s Ma On Shan line opened to public 20 years ago – SCMP archive

Macau

On This Day | Macau returns to China in 1999 – from the SCMP archive

Old Hong Kong

Recap | 5 of the most infamous Hong Kong crimes, from a diamond heist to kidnapping

Explore gripping crime stories from Hong Kong’s archives, including a $3.4 million diamond burglary, a grave-robbing racket, lethal bootleg wine and a daring jailbreak.

Thieves once stole millions of dollars worth of diamonds from an office safe in Hong Kong, in 1971. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong

On This Day | ‘A new era’: Sino-British Joint Declaration signed in 1984 – SCMP archive

In 1984, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her Chinese counterpart Zhao Ziyang signed paper that paved way for Hong Kong’s return to China.

Hong Kong society

On This Day | When a ferry crashed into a Hong Kong typhoon shelter in 1989 – SCMP archive

35 years ago, a catamaran ferry crashed at full speed into the Yau Ma Tei typhoon shelter, killing three and injuring 18 others.

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Old Hong Kong

When a Dior-clad socialite killed her lover, horrifying Hong Kong

Maria Coady was photographed with Chris Patten and rubbed shoulders with the Brunei royal family – before being jailed by a Hong Kong court.

Maria Remedios Coady, who was later jailed for murder, next to Chris Patten in 1995. Photo: SCMP Archives
Hong Kong sports

Recap | Pele, John McEnroe and Liverpool FC: Hong Kong’s most iconic sports moments

5 moments in history when sporting legends like Pele, Steve Davis, John McEnroe and Gary Player thrilled Hong Kong fans.

Hong Kong

David Bowie’s record-breaking shows in Hong Kong in 1983

Despite complaints about audience behaviour, Bowie’s sold-out performances at the Coliseum were a resounding success 41 years ago.

Old Hong Kong

When a blackmail plot ended in Australian tourist’s murder

Fifty-four years ago, Ronald Alan Coombe was found stabbed to death in his hotel room after a confrontation with a fellow countryman, Graham Edwards.

Graham Edwards (right) was founded guilty of murdering Australian scientist Dr Ronald Alan Coombe. Photo: E. Cheng
Hong Kong transport

On This Day | Hong Kong’s CMB drivers hold first strike in 20 years in 1989 – SCMP archive

35 years ago, Hong Kong’s CMB drivers held a four-hour strike to push for better retirement benefits.

Buses stopped at the North Point Ferry Pier bus terminal because of a strike staged by the drivers on November 29, 1989. Photo: SCMP
Hong Kong politics

On This Day | Hong Kong’s first post-handover district-level elections – SCMP archive

On this day 25 years ago, Hong Kong held its first district-level election after the city’s handover from Britain to China.

Old Hong Kong

That time Hong Kong almost caught its first live telecast from Apollo 12

The event drew the largest viewing audience in the city yet, but the sound was indistinct, the screen motionless: nothing happened.

Disney

On This Day | Hong Kong inks deal to build Disney theme park in 1999 – SCMP archive

Twenty-five years ago in 1999, the creation of a Disneyland resort in Hong Kong was announced.

Hong Kong’s then-chief executive Tung Chee-hwa shakes hand with Mickey Mouse at Government House in 1999. Photo: SCMP
Hong Kong International Airport

On This Day | Hong Kong outlines plans for new international airport – from the SCMP archive

35 years ago, Hong Kong saw the beginning stages of what will become its international airport in Chek Lap Kok.

Aerial view of the Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok in June 1998. Photo: Foster + Partners
SCMP

When former Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau made a pioneering trip to China

In 1973, Trudeau became the second Western leader to visit China in a month – then went on a whirlwind personal visit to Hong Kong with his wife and son, current Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

Hong Kong

Was Wah Fu Estate the first self-sustaining housing complex in Hong Kong?

The estate in Pok Fu Lam was valued at HK$3.8 million when it was announced in 1965, comprising a restaurant, department store, bowling alley and community hall

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MTR Corporation

On This Day | ‘Chaos and kinks’ as Hong Kong’s MTR opens to public in 1979 – SCMP archive

Running from Shek Kip Mei to Kwun Tong station, the MTR map’s green-coloured railway line opened to the public 45 years ago.

The Shek Kip Mei Station crowded with passengers. The MTR Corporation’s Kwun Tong line, from Shek Kip Mei to Kwun Tong station, was opened on October 1, 1979. Photo: Yau Tin-kwai
China-UK relations

On This Day | Historic pact over future of Hong Kong gets first signing – from SCMP archive

Four decades ago, Britain and China initialled a draft of the joint declaration on Hong Kong’s future status.

Serena Williams

That time Serena Williams was an hour late after a Hong Kong shopping spree

‘I can’t stay long enough,’ the American tennis superstar once said on her 3rd visit to Hong Kong, adding, ‘The people are very nice and welcoming and I feel it is a very warm place to be’

Crime in Hong Kong

Highly embarrassing: that time the police commissioner’s Peak residence was robbed

In 1990, a duo of robbers threatened commissioner Li Kwan-ha’s wife and tied up their maid before fleeing the couple’s luxury home atop The Peak with HK$50,000 in Rolex watches, jewellery and cash

Hong Kong Police Commissioner Li Kwan-ha talks to reporters after his residence at Magazine Gap Road was robbed by two men in September 1990. Photo: SCMP Archive
SCMP

Then & Now | Behold PostMag, the latest evolution of SCMP’s weekend supplement

Change is nothing new here – launched back in 1989, the Post’s iconic Sunday magazine has morphed again and again to meet the needs of an evolving readership.

The cover of the September 22 relaunch issue of SCMP’s new-look PostMag. Photo: PostMag
History

Then & Now | Columnist Jason Wordie on 25 years of writing for the Post

No, he isn’t told what to write about, says Wordie, in answer to the most common question he gets, as he looks back on a quarter century documenting the region’s huge changes

Hong Kong weather

On This Day | Typhoon York kills 2, injures hundreds in Hong Kong in 1999 – SCMP archive

The ‘erratic behaviour’ of the strongest typhoon to hit Hong Kong in 16 years catches forecasters by surprise

David Tang

‘Foreign Tiger not so powerful as local worm’: how Shanghai Tang was born

When cigar importer David Tang raised US$20 million to birth a global brand from Hong Kong’s Pedder Building

The Shanghai Tang Mansion on Hong Kong’s Duddell Street, Central, pictured in 2012. Photo: SCMP Archive
Greater Bay Area

Troubled waters: when the Post dove into deadly cross-border abductions from Hong Kong

In September and October 1970, the Post reported on abductions from the Deep Bay oyster beds and the ensuing investigation and arrests in mainland China

The oyster fishery in Deep Bay as seen in 2023. Back in 1970 this peaceful setting was the scene for the abduction of eight men, three of whom were later murdered. Photo: SCMP
Hong Kong

Heated argument: 1 dead and 2 injured as a barbecue boils over

Remembering the night when groups of picnickers fought with forks to the deadly end

Hong Kong sports

On This Day | Hong Kong athletes wins city’s second-ever Olympic medal in 2004 – SCMP archive

Two decades ago, table tennis players Ko Lai-chak and Li Ching win silver in Athens and receive a heroes’ welcome upon their return to Hong Kong.

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