China has two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) — Hong Kong and Macau. These regions enjoy a high degree of autonomy under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, maintaining separate legal, administrative, and economic systems from mainland China while remaining under Chinese sovereignty.
Formation and Historical Background
- Hong Kong was a British colony from 1842 to 1997.
- Macau was a Portuguese territory from the 16th century until 1999.
- Both regions returned to Chinese sovereignty under the Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984) and Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration (1987) respectively.
- They were officially designated as SARs under the Basic Law, a mini-constitution that ensures local autonomy for 50 years after handover.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Number | 2 |
| Governance Level | First-level administrative division |
| Report to | Central Government (State Council) |
| Legal Framework | Basic Law of Hong Kong and Macau |
List of Special Administrative Regions
- Hong Kong SAR (香港特别行政区)
- Handover: 1 July 1997 (from the United Kingdom)
- Legal System: Common Law (British-influenced)
- Official Languages: Chinese (Cantonese), English
- Capital: Victoria (Central District)
- Macau SAR (澳门特别行政区)
- Handover: 20 December 1999 (from Portugal)
- Legal System: Civil Law (Portuguese-influenced)
- Official Languages: Chinese (Cantonese), Portuguese
- Capital: Macau Peninsula (historic center)
Local Government Structure
- Governed by a Chief Executive, selected by a local election committee and appointed by the central government.
- Separate Executive Council, Legislative Assembly, and Judiciary.
- The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) maintains a presence but does not interfere in local affairs.
Leadership & Governance
- High autonomy in:
- Local legislation
- Immigration, customs, and finance
- Social welfare, education, and healthcare
- Central government controls:
- Foreign affairs
- Defense and national security
- Recent implementation of National Security Law (Hong Kong, 2020)
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Independent police and legal systems
- Emergency Services:
- 999 – Unified emergency hotline for police, fire, and ambulance
- Courts operate separately from mainland China
Economy & Industry
- Hong Kong:
- Global financial hub (HKEX, major banks)
- Free port and separate customs territory
- Top sectors: Finance, trade, tourism, real estate
- Macau:
- World’s leading gaming and entertainment economy
- Top sectors: Casinos, tourism, conventions, retail
- Integrated resorts, cultural heritage tourism
Education & Institutions
- Separate curricula and examination systems
- Hong Kong:
- Leading universities: HKU, CUHK, HKUST
- English-medium education
- Macau:
- Key universities: University of Macau, Macau Polytechnic
- Portuguese and Chinese bilingual education
Healthcare
- Public and private hospitals with international standards
- Medical tourism and cross-border patient care
- Macau also integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Transport & Connectivity
- Airports:
- Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok)
- Macau International Airport
- Rail & Road Links:
- Hong Kong MTR (metro), High-speed rail to Shenzhen and Guangzhou
- Macau Light Rapid Transit (Taipa)
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB)
- Ferries connect both SARs to mainland China and each other
Tourism & Attractions
- Hong Kong:
- Victoria Peak, The Peak Tram, Disneyland, Big Buddha, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Macau:
- Ruins of St. Paul’s, Senado Square, Cotai Strip, Macau Tower, A-Ma Temple
- Heritage fusion: Chinese traditions and colonial architecture
Culture & Lifestyle
- Strong blend of East and West
- Active civil society, diverse religious communities
- Cantonese cuisine, Portuguese-Macanese dishes, international dining
- Dynamic media, festivals, arts, and nightlife scenes
Summary
The Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau are internationally known for their unique status, vibrant economies, and global cultural identities. They serve as bridges between China and the world, demonstrating how diversity and autonomy can coexist within a unified national framework.