Step into the maritime world of 19th- and 20th-century Hong Kong with this extraordinary British Admiralty nautical chart, a masterwork that chronicles the evolution of one of the world’s most storied harbors. This map, first surveyed in 1841 by Captain Sir Edward Belcher and subsequently updated by generations of Royal Navy surveyors until 1953, is a vivid testament to the era when Hong Kong transformed from a strategic military outpost into a bustling international port. The main focus of the chart is the intricate waterways surrounding Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, and their neighboring islets—regions that would become the beating heart of British colonial trade in East Asia.

What makes this chart truly captivating is its wealth of hydrographic data, meticulously rendered to guide mariners through these vital shipping lanes. The map is adorned with dense arrays of soundings—numbers in fathoms—painstakingly recorded to chart water depths and safe passages. Navigational aids abound, from prominent compass roses denoting magnetic variation to detailed tidal notes and tables, all elegantly integrated into the map’s design. These infographics were not merely decorative; they were essential tools for seafarers, providing the critical information needed to navigate the often treacherous waters of the South China Sea.

Beyond its navigational precision, the map offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape and infrastructure of colonial Hong Kong. Coastal topography is depicted with careful attention, marking high points, promontories, and inland hills that served as vital reference points for approaching ships. The chart also highlights the growing complexity of the harbor itself, with anchorages, piers, and beacons clearly labeled—evidence of Hong Kong’s rapid development as a global trading hub. Each update to the map, from the late 19th-century surveys of Field and Moore to post-war corrections, reflects the city’s ongoing transformation and the British Admiralty’s commitment to cartographic excellence.

The artistry and accuracy of this chart are emblematic of the British Admiralty’s mapmaking tradition, renowned for its rigorous standards and innovative techniques. Sir Edward Belcher, the original surveyor, was a legendary figure in naval exploration, whose career spanned the globe from the Arctic to the Pacific. His successors, including Field, Moore, Smyth, and Monro, each brought their own expertise, contributing new data and refining the chart over more than a century. The result is a living document—part navigational aid, part historical record—that captures the dynamic interplay between empire, commerce, and geography.

For collectors and connoisseurs, this map is far more than a navigational tool; it is a window into the geopolitical drama and maritime heritage of East Asia. The chart’s meticulous detail, storied provenance, and historical resonance make it a standout piece for any collection. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or studied for its wealth of information, it offers a rare opportunity to trace the contours of Hong Kong’s past, guided by the hands of some of Britain’s most distinguished naval surveyors.

Notable places on this map

• Hong Kong Island (main focus of the chart)
• Kowloon Peninsula (north of Hong Kong Island)
• Victoria Harbour (central waterway between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon)
• Possession Point (site of British landing in 1841)
• Lamma Island (to the southwest of Hong Kong Island)
• Green Island and Stonecutters Island (smaller islets near the main harbor)
• Aberdeen (a harbor area on the south side of Hong Kong Island)
• Lei Yue Mun (eastern approach to Victoria Harbour)
• Tsing Yi Island (northwest of Hong Kong Island)
• Various coastal promontories, bays, and anchorages labeled for navigation

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed soundings (water depths in fathoms) throughout Hong Kong harbor and adjacent waters
• Multiple compass roses indicating magnetic variation for navigational reference
• Marked tidal notes and tables for mariners
• Coastal topography with high points and hills indicated inland
• Beacons, buoys, and other navigational aids labeled along key channels and approaches
• Clearly delineated harbor areas, including anchorages and safe water zones
• Outlines of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and nearby islets
• Notations of significant survey years and the names of surveyors in the map title
• Harbour infrastructure such as piers, docks, or wharves indicated along the coast
• British Admiralty chart number and publication/correction dates in the map margin

Historical and design context

• First published in 1843 by the British Admiralty, based on surveys by Sir Edward Belcher and later updated by other Royal Navy surveyors. The map here shows Hong Kong in 1953.
• Continuously updated through periods of significant political and economic change, including the Opium Wars, British colonial expansion, Japanese occupation during WWII, and post-war recovery
• Nautical chart (sea chart) focusing on Hong Kong and its coastal waters, designed for maritime navigation
• Represents the first comprehensive British survey of Hong Kong, serving as a foundational nautical reference for mariners
• Reflects the region's transformation into a major international port under British rule
• Detailed hydrographic chart with soundings in fathoms, compass roses, tidal tables, and coastal landmarks
• Each update reflects the city’s ongoing transformation and the British Admiralty’s commitment to cartographic excellence

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 36in (90cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 5-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.