<P> The transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong , commonly known as the handover of Hong Kong ( or simply `` the Handover '' , also `` the Return '' in mainland China ) was the transition of control over the former British colony of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People 's Republic of China on 1 July 1997 . The returned territory comprised Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula , which were respectively ceded to Britain in 1842 and 1860 , as well as the New Territories , which were leased for 99 years from 1898 . The transfer was arranged to coincide with the expiration of this lease on the previous day , 30 June 1997 . This event marked the end of British rule in Hong Kong , and is regarded by some as the end of the British Empire . </P>
<P> The transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong , commonly known as the handover of Hong Kong ( or simply `` the Handover '' , also `` the Return '' in mainland China ) was the transition of control over the former British colony of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People 's Republic of China on 1 July 1997 . The returned territory comprised Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula , which were respectively ceded to Britain in 1842 and 1860 , as well as the New Territories , which were leased for 99 years from 1898 . The transfer was arranged to coincide with the expiration of this lease on the previous day , 30 June 1997 . This event marked the end of British rule in Hong Kong , and is regarded by some as the end of the British Empire . </P>
when did britain give hong kong to china
when did britain give hong kong to china
1 July 1997
1 July 1997