The outer white ring is shown with the caption of the official name of the territory in Traditional Chinese and the English short form, "Hong Kong".

In the background there was a square-rigged ship and a Chinese junk in the harbour with a Flag of the Qing Dynasty backed by conical hills.

The arms featured two traditional Chinese junks facing each other, and on a red embattled chief a golden naval crown.

The shield and supporters stood on a compartment, consisting of an island, with a scroll bearing the words 'Hong Kong'.

The small lion standing on the crest alone had featured on the reverse of Hong Kong coinage before the introduction of the Bauhinia design in preparation for the handover in 1997.

The modern emblem came into use on 1 July 1997, after Hong Kong's transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China.

The English words "HONG KONG" in the standard format for the regional emblem are evenly arranged farther down the outer ring.

In addition, the regional emblem is displayed at major government offices and buildings, such as Government House, the Executive Council, the legislative council, the law courts of various levels, District Offices, all border control or check points in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices overseas.