The Punti Were the First Permanent Settlers of Hong Kong

The cession of Hong Kong Island to the British in 1842 is often regarded as the starting point of Hong Kong. Although it is true that British settlers transformed this barren rock, lost in the South China Sea, into a sprawling city bustling with activity, the territory has a history of its own well before the British took possession of the island in 1841—one year before the official cession of 1842.

The earliest traces of human presence in the territory date back to approximately 35,000 BC. However, it was only in 214 BC, under the Qin Dynasty (not to be confused with the 17th to early 20th century Qing Dynasty), that Hong Kong was first incorporated into China.

It was not until the 11th century AD, however, that the first permanent settlers, known as the Punti, arrived in what came to be known as the New Territories. In fact, the name Punti literally translates in English as "original residents." They took advantage of the fertile soil they discovered in the New Territories and quickly developed strong agricultural societies that lasted for centuries.

As of 2026, along with the Hoklo, Tanka, and Hakka, the Punti are part of the so-called four indigenous ethnic groups of Hong Kong and still hold special privileges to this day.