Xianggang

Xianggang is a transliteration of the Cantonese pronunciation of the Chinese name for Hong Kong. The characters, 香港, literally translate to "fragrant harbor." This name is believed to originate from the area's historical trade in incense. The term "Xianggang" is most commonly used in contexts where a Cantonese pronunciation is preferred or when referring to the region's cultural identity as expressed through the Cantonese language. While "Hong Kong" is the standard English transliteration and the most widely recognized name internationally, "Xianggang" offers a pronunciation rooted in the local dialect. It is the name used by many residents and is often seen in local signage and media within the territory. The distinction between "Hong Kong" and "Xianggang" is primarily linguistic, reflecting the phonetic differences between Mandarin and Cantonese pronunciations of the same characters.