The rise and rise of Asia's capitalist heaven

These views might be of three different cities: a sleepy little port, a bustling town on its way up, and a 21st century megapolis. But these are views of the same part of Hong Kong, looking down from the hills above the harbour to the city below. The top one was taken in 1957; the second, in 1977; the third in 1997, the year that Hong Kong is to return to China.

Visitors to Government House, Chris Patten's residence, are reminded that once, the Governor could assess the level of prosperity in Hong Kong by counting the ships in the harbour. Now, you cannot see the harbour from Mr Patten's elegant house.

Photographs:

Alan Armstrong-Wright