Treaty of Nanking

29 August 1842 · Nanjing

Europe & world wars

Background

Britain went to war after China tried to stop the opium trade. China opened five ports (including Canton and Shanghai) to British trade, paid a large indemnity and gave Hong Kong Island to Britain 'in perpetuity'. Hong Kong was handed back to China on 1 July 1997.

Signed by

Britain and Qing China

Why it matters

Ended the First Opium War; China ceded Hong Kong to Britain (returned in 1997). The first of China's 'unequal treaties'.