Defining a ‘Hong Kong identity’ nowadays could be a complicated issue as Hong Kong people’s perception on their identity could be a historical, personal and even political issue to be discussed. Hong Kong which has once been ruled as a colony and faced the Handover in 1997, has been a unique place as Hong Kong people has undergo different periods of time in Hong Kong. Influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong people have diverse opinions on what ‘Hong Kong identity’ is to them. Thus, issues related to identity formation, colonial heritage and even hybridity are inevitable in these discussions. Hong Kong people are often asked to categorized themselves as Hong Kong people, Hong Kong Chinese people, Chinese people or Chinese Hong Kong people as these identities represent different political statements in the society, the scope of discussion relating to Hong Kong identity is narrow. However, the complications of Hong Kong identity have to be valued and celebrated, as this identity symbolizes the historical traces and memories that Hong Kong people have faced in different periods of time. This essay studies the different perception of Hong Kong people’s identity with reference to Hong Kong literatures and also historical context, interviews are also made with different generations of Hong Kong people on their views of Hong Kong identity. Hong Kong literatures from Leung Ping-kwan, Xu Xi, Tammy Ho and Louise Ho are included as their works illustrate Hong Kong and also the way of Hong Kong people think about their own identity at different times.

This Capstone project is not only a way for me to understand more about my home place, it is also a personal reflection for me to review my own identity and how my identity has influenced me to become who I am today. I am glad that I could connect my studies in the English Department with the society that I have been living in through this project, and it makes me more empowered to continue contributing to Hong Kong. Facing the drastic changes in the society, I believe that these historical traces of Hong Kong have to be preserved and remembered by Hong Kong people ourselves, as they are part of who we are and it is our responsibilities to share these memories to the next generations. I would also like to thank my supervisor Professor Eddie Tay for guiding me and giving me support on this journey. I am grateful to learn through this project and I would continue to study more about Hong Kong and be part of the change in Hong Kong.