Significant Events in Hong Kong's History By Lucie Pink Fluffy Unicorn Jan 1, 1939 First Opium War Dec 25, 1941 Japenese Occupation Jan 1, 1950 British took over Hong Kong Jan 1, 1953 Shek Kip Mei Fire A fire started in Shek Kip Mei burning down all the districts located in Shek Kip Mei. Jan 1, 1993 Kowloon Walled City was torn down Jan 1, 1997 Hong Kong Handover Jan 1, 1998 Hong Kong's Brand New International Airport Opened The new and ultra-modern airport is located in Chep Lap Kok. Nov 16, 2002 SARS SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.