When visiting Hong Kong it is very likely that visitors will hear a good deal about the Opium Wars. This series of maritime battles with the Brits took place during the 19th century when the Chinese government tried to outlaw the practice of the Brits importing opium. Chinese junks (traditional sailing vessels) fought against giant British steamships. Eventually the superior maritime technology won out, and in 1842, Hong Kong Island ceded to the British. Kowloon and the rest of the territories surrendered some 15 years later when the second Opium War took place. In 1997, the British returned Hong Kong to the Chinese in the celebratory event known as the handover. Today, the total landmass of the city is about 658 square miles. next...