Hong Kong, beyond the bright lights and big celebration
(CNN) -- The reversion of Hong Kong to Chinese administration has dominated headlines for months, putting the territory's high-rolling economy and high-stakes politics under the scrutiny of pundits and prognosticators. The historic transition has also made the region a trendy destination -- uniquely one of time as much as place -- for more than a million overseas visitors.
Yet Hong Kong is much more than a once-in-a-lifetime blowout celebration or a long-term experiment on relocating a capitalist mecca under the awning of communism. Beyond the metropolitan buzz over a new era thrives what is tangible about Hong Kong -- its landscapes of bucolic beauty and Chinese flavor seemingly oblivious to the fine print of politics or the fickleness of parties.
Click through these images of rural Hong Kong -- pockets of tranquility amid the more than 230 islands clustered in the city's shadow -- where the sun rises and sets the same whether it graces the Union Jack or the crimson and gold banner of the People's Republic of China.
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