1977 China Geographical Map of Hong Kong and Kowloon

Charming map of Hong Kong.

This is a 1977 China Geographical Model Manufactory map of Hong Kong and the New Territories. The map depicting the entire region from China to Po Toi Island and from Tai Shan Bay to Mirs Bay occupies over half the sheet and provides incredible detail. Cities and towns are labeled in both Romanized Chinese and Chinese characters, along with mountain ranges, peaks, and passes labeled in the same manner. Other locations, such as rivers, reservoirs, bays, harbors, and coves are treated similarly. The region's topography is illustrated using color with dashed lines providing a boundary of sorts between the different elevations. A key, situated in the lower left corner, provides information concerning the various notations used and measurements used to differentiate topography. Three smaller maps frame the map of Hong Kong and the New Territories to its right and below it.

The Smaller Maps

The first of these is a road map of Kowloon, which provides a much more detailed depiction of the city. Individual streets are labeled in Romanized Chinese and Chinese characters, as are hospitals, parks, and piers. A small inset in the lower right corner of the Kowloon map illustrates Kai Tak Airport. Below the map of Kowloon is a road map of Victoria City that provides the same level of detail. Roads are labeled and, intriguingly, areas along the waterfront are colored white and labeled as 'being reclaimed'. A map along the bottom border is a road map of Hong Kong that details the northern coastal region from Green Island and Sulphur Channel to Tam Kung Temple and Tin Hau Temple. Coastal detail is prevalent, but as the map moves further inland, only roads are illustrated.

Publication History and Census

This map was created by The China Geographical Model Manufactory and is an example of the Fifth Edition, published in Hong Kong in September 1977. We have been unable to locate any other examples.

Cartographer

China Geographical Model Manufactory (fl. c. 1950 - c. 1985) was a map publishing and geographical modeling firm based on Nathan Road in Kowloon, Hong Kong, in the middle part of the 20th century. The firm was active as early as 1940, but produced the bulk of their maps in the 1960s and 70s. They are known for publishing multiple maps and some of the writings of the geographer Liang Jisen (1920 - 20??).   Further Details...

Condition

Very good. Some wear on original fold lines.