The concept of boundary separation only became important around 1870, when cultural conflicts increased between coolies, Chinese and the British.

[10] The border between Yau Tsim Mong and Kowloon City districts was altered following reclamation of Hung Hom Bay in the 1990s.

Hong Kong in administration consists of three areas (區域), which was further divided into 18 districts (地區).

The Home Affairs Department is responsible for the District Administration Scheme, community building and community involvement activities, minor environmental improvement projects and minor local public works, and the licensing of hotels and guesthouses, bedspace apartments and clubs.

In addition, he is required to maintain close liaison with different sectors of the community and reflect their concerns and problems to the Government.

It is his duty to ensure that district problems are resolved promptly through inter-departmental consultation and co-operation.

Also, he acts as a link between the district council and departments and serves as a mediator between them when problems arise.

He performs an advisory and liaison role in providing assistance to building management bodies.

In emergency situations, the district officer is responsible for co-ordinating various departments' efforts on the ground for ensuring the effective provision of relief services.

These range from large-scale district festivals to the formation of local youth choirs and dance troupes.

The eleven-term district councils, comprising 479 members (452 elected, 27 ex officio who are chairmen of the rural committees in the New Territories), commenced on 1 January 2020.