During the Second World War, Hong Kong endured invasion, occupation, and three years and eight months of Japanese rule.
This website explores the city's wartime experience—from the Battle of Hong Kong and resistance activities behind enemy lines to daily life under occupation and the personal stories of those who lived through the conflict.
How Did Hong Kong Endure
War and Occupation?
The story of Hong Kong during the Second World War is more than a military history. It is the story of a city confronted by extraordinary challenges and the choices made by those who lived through them. Through these accounts, we remember how the people of Hong Kong faced hardship, uncertainty, and oppression, while continuing to support one another and contribute to the wider Chinese resistance against Japan.
Some fought on the front lines. Others joined resistance networks, gathered intelligence, or helped those in danger. Many struggled simply to protect their families and communities in a time of hunger, fear, and deprivation. Together, their experiences form an important part of Hong Kong's wartime heritage.
Today, we look back not only to remember the suffering of the past, but also to preserve the names, places, and stories that might otherwise be lost. We hope this website serves as a gateway to understanding Hong Kong's role in the Second World War and encourages further exploration of the history preserved in local communities, archives, photographs, and oral testimonies.