Hong Kong, Our Home: A Special Part of China

Hello everyone! Get ready to explore our amazing home, Hong Kong! In these notes, we'll learn about what makes Hong Kong a special and unique place, and how it is an important part of our country, China. We will look at a special idea called "One Country, Two Systems", learn about our flags, and meet the people who work hard to keep us safe. Learning this helps us understand and love our home even more!


What is "One Country, Two Systems"? A Super Special Idea!

This might sound like a tricky name, but it's actually a simple and clever idea. Let's break it down!

Imagine our country, China, is a huge, wonderful family. Hong Kong is a special member of this family. We are all part of the same family, and this is the "One Country" part. It means Hong Kong is forever a part of China.

But, just like in a family where older and younger siblings might have different chores or bedtimes, Hong Kong has some of its own special rules and ways of doing things. This is the "Two Systems" part. This special arrangement began on an very important date: 1 July 1997. This was the day Hong Kong returned to our country and became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Here's how we see "Two Systems" in everyday life:

• Our Money (Currencies): When you buy snacks in Hong Kong, you use Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). But if you visit other cities in the Mainland, like Shenzhen or Beijing, they use a different kind of money called Renminbi (RMB). Having our own money is a great example of "Two Systems"!

• Our Travel Documents: People in Hong Kong can have a special passport for travelling outside the country. It has "HKSAR" on it. This is another part of our unique system.

Key Takeaway

"One Country, Two Systems" is easy to remember!
One Country = Hong Kong is a part of our country, China.
Two Systems = Hong Kong has its own special ways of doing things, like using its own money.


Our Special Flags and Symbols

Flags are very important symbols. They tell a story and show us where we belong. In Hong Kong, we have two very important flags to know.

The National Flag of China

This is the flag for our whole country! It is red with five bright yellow stars. The big star represents the leadership, and the four smaller stars represent the Chinese people, all united together. When you see this flag, it represents all of China.

The Regional Flag of Hong Kong (HKSAR)

This is the flag just for our home, Hong Kong! It is also red, with a beautiful white flower in the middle. This flower is called a Bauhinia. Can you see the five little red stars on the flower's petals? They are just like the stars on the National Flag, showing that Hong Kong is a loving part of China.

Quick Review!

National Flag: Represents our country, China. (Hint: The one with 5 yellow stars!)

Regional Flag: Represents our home, Hong Kong. (Hint: The one with the white flower!)

It's very important to respect our flags. The law says we must never damage them because they are symbols of our country and our home.

Did you know?

Hong Kong also has a Regional Emblem. It looks exactly like the flower design on our regional flag! You can see it on government buildings and official papers. It's another proud symbol of the HKSAR.

Key Takeaway

We have a National Flag for our country, China, and a Regional Flag for our city, Hong Kong. They remind us that we are one big family.


The Rules That Protect Us All

Every home and school has rules to keep everyone safe and happy. Hong Kong has its own special rulebook too!

The Basic Law: Hong Kong's Rulebook

The most important rulebook for Hong Kong is called the Basic Law. You can think of it as the 'how-to' guide for running Hong Kong. It's the law that makes sure the "One Country, Two Systems" idea works properly. The Basic Law is very important because it safeguards our lives and protects our way of life here in Hong Kong.

Being a Good Citizen

Following rules is part of being a good citizen. This is called keeping law and order. When we all follow the rules—like waiting for the green light to cross the road or putting our rubbish in the bin—we help make Hong Kong a better and safer place for everyone.

An Important Law to Keep Us Safe

There is also a very important law called the National Security Law. Don't worry if the name sounds very serious! Its only job is to protect our country and Hong Kong from big dangers. It helps make sure our home stays peaceful and stable, so we can all continue to learn, play, and grow safely.

Key Takeaway

The Basic Law is the special rulebook for Hong Kong. Following all the laws helps keep law and order, which makes our home a wonderful place to live.


The People Who Protect Hong Kong

Have you ever wondered who keeps our city safe? There are special groups of people whose job is to protect us.

It's a team effort! There are two main groups responsible for our safety:

1. For safety INSIDE Hong Kong: The HKSAR Government is responsible for keeping public order. This includes our brave police officers who help people every day, direct traffic, and make sure everyone follows the law.

2. For safety from OUTSIDE Hong Kong: The Central People's Government (our country's main government) is responsible for the defence of Hong Kong. This means protecting us from dangers that might come from outside our city.

A Special Team: The PLA Hong Kong Garrison

To help with defence, a special team is stationed in Hong Kong. They are the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison.

Here are some cool facts about them:

  • Their main job is defence – protecting Hong Kong from outside threats.

  • They have been here to protect us since 1 July 1997.

  • They are very helpful! Besides their main job, they often do good things for our community, like participating in tree planting and blood donation.

Quick Review!

Safety Inside (Public Order): Looked after by the HKSAR Government (like our Police Force).

Safety Outside (Defence): Looked after by the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.

Key Takeaway

We are well-protected! The HKSAR Government keeps things safe and orderly inside our city, while the PLA Garrison defends our home from any outside dangers.