The New Territories is an area in Hong Kong, comprising the northern part of the territory, excluding Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. This region was leased to the United Kingdom by the Qing dynasty of China in 1898 for 99 years, an agreement that was part of the Second Convention of Peking.
After the cession of Kowloon Peninsula to Britain in 1860, the British sought to expand their territory further to protect their interests in the region, particularly due to the strategic location of Deep Bay and the concern over potential threats from other powers. The lease was signed on June 9, 1898, which included the land north of Boundary Street on the Kowloon Peninsula, up to the Chinese border, and over 230 islands, including Lantau Island and Lamma Island.
During the lease period, the New Territories were developed primarily for agriculture and fishing. The British administration established several new towns to accommodate the growing population and to develop infrastructure. By the late 20th century, urbanization was significantly increased with the construction of Tsuen Wan New Town, Sha Tin New Town, and others, transforming rural areas into modern urban centers.
The Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984 stipulated that the entirety of Hong Kong, including the New Territories, would be returned to China on July 1, 1997, under the principle of "one country, two systems". This allowed Hong Kong to maintain its capitalist economic and political systems for 50 years, separate from the rest of China's socialist system.
The New Territories cover an area of approximately 952 square kilometers, which is about 86% of Hong Kong's total land area. This region includes:
Today, the New Territories are administratively divided into several districts, each with its own District Council. The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, which manages local affairs, while national defense and foreign affairs are handled by the central government of China.
The economy of the New Territories has diversified from traditional agriculture to include manufacturing, retail, and service industries. Culturally, the area retains many traditional practices, festivals, and architectural styles, particularly in the more rural parts. Notable cultural landmarks include the Ping Shan Heritage Trail and the Tai Fu Tai Mansion.