evidence: Hong Kong (/ˌhɒŋˈkɒŋ/ (listen); Chinese: 香港, Hong Kong Cantonese: [hœ́ːŋ.kɔ̌ːŋ] (listen), literally "Fragrant Port"), officially The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of The People's Republic of China,[17] is one of two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People's Republic of China (the other is Macau). It is one of the richest and most developed parts in the world, and one where the cost of living is one of the highest. Hong Kong grew quickly in the decades after World War II, becoming a famous world-class financial centre. Hong Kong was one of the last territories of the British Empire until 1997, when United Kingdom handed it over to China. China then promised to grant it special status for 50 years. [...] July 1, 1997 - Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of China for 50 years 1998 - Hong Kong International Airport opened, replacing Kai Tak Airport in Kowloon