MCI, I visited Hong Kong in 1970, and as I recall, the date of hand-over to the Chinese government, and the end of the British Crown Colony was 1997, though the culture hung on for a decade or so, when people still related strongly to the British traditions. When I was there, long lines of school kids were kitted out in blue school blazers and neckties, and English was spoken in a distinctly English way.
We had to go on liberty off the ship in our uniforms, so people knew immediately that we were Yanks. I was greatly amused that no matter what food or beverage I ordered, the wait person brought a tall bottle of catsup and set it in front of me.
A group of us sailors took a van tour with an attractive young woman that included a tram ride up Victoria peak to overlook the harbor and a trip out to a floating restaurant for Chinese food (no catsup) in a little scull propelled by an elderly woman who used only one oar off the stern.
