In 1843 Lord Palmerston, wrote a furious letter to the man responsible for the acquisition of Hong Kong, saying that it was a "barren island with hardly a house upon it". Overlooking this incredible bustling city today, it seems impossible to imagine that this island could ever have been dismissed so lightly.

Hong Kong's history has given it a unique position between two vastly differing cultures. It was ceded by the Chinese to Britain after the first Anglo-Chinese war in an attempt to lift the British Navy's blockade of Chinese ports. Captain Charles Elliot, who negotiated Hong Kong's handover, was much criticised for this seemingly odd choice, yet he showed a remarkable foresight that was the foundation in creating the city we know today. Aware of the damage that typhoons on the South China Sea often caused to ships, Elliot understood that this well guarded harbour would be invaluable to British Trading routes.

Once Britain understood Hong Kong's potential importance, they looked to expand their influence and went after the Towloon peninsular as well. Forty years later the Empire also claimed the New Territories and Hong Kong as we know it today was born.

Today Hong Kong is a bustling city full of international business and a thriving commercial culture that has merged with Asian and Western influences to make this city a truly unique travel destination.

Visitors will be surprised to find that Hong Kong offers, alongside shopping and dining opportunities that are renowned, some spectacular beaches and walks, as well as dolphin watching. Visitors can trke to the Lantau Peak or take boat trips to see pink dolphins.

If you would like to visit Hong Kong go to flightcomparison.co.uk and research the cheapest airfares to this incredible city.

Flight Comparison list Cheap Air Flights to Hong Kong from All Airports in the UK. These cheap flights have been found on the leading UK travel sites.