Vibrant and unique, Hong Kong has also been the birthplace of many celebrities. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Jackie Chan
Perhaps Hong Kong's best known film star, Jackie Chan endured many years of long, hard work and multiple injuries to establish international success via his early beginnings in Hong Kong's manic martial arts cinema industry. Jackie was born on Hong Kong's famous Victoria Peak.
Shannon Walsh
Born to Australian parents, actress and gymnast Shannon Walsh is originally from Hong Kong. Until late teens, Shannon trained as a competitive gymnast under Ukranian national coaches Vladimir and Valentina Kovalenko. Before ending her gymnastics career, she won three all-around national gold medals. Walsh is known for her role in Begin Again.
Katrina Kaif
This actress is born to a Caucasian mother of British nationality and a father who was formerly from Kashmir, India, but who has acquired British citizenship. Kaif is known for her role in Zindagi N Milegi Dobara.
Romola Garai
Actress and known for her role in Amazing Grace, Romola Garai was born in Hong Kong to father Adrian (banker) and mother Janet (journalist), Romola Garai's unusual name is the female version of Romolo, an Italian name for boys (from Latin Romulus, the founder of Rome). She grew up in Singapore and Hong Kong until she was eight when her family returned to lay roots in Wiltshire.
Tzi Ma is a creative, imaginative and compelling actor born in Hong Kong who has created a score of memorable film, television and stage characters. He is known for his appearance in Arrival and for his role as a deadly efficient assassin and nationalist spy masquerading as Michael Caine's ever-invaluable assistant in The Quiet American.
Other honourable mentions include Yun-Fat Chow (Crounching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle), Celine Jade (Arrow), Maggie Cheung (In the Mood for Love), Sammo Kam-Bo Hung (Ip Man 2), Andy Lau (Internal Affairs), Tony Leung Chiu-Wai (Ying xiong), and Natalie Mendoza (The Descent).