On September 16, 2026, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region witnessed something rather special — a milestone event in its modern history: the unveiling of its first five-year plan for economic and social development (2026–2030). Scheduled for fulfillment by the end of the first year of the next decade, this far-sighted programme places especially strong emphasis on the development of the Northern Metropolis — a new cityscape that is anticipated to play a pivotal role in Hong Kong’s spatial and economic landscape in the years to come.
Many viewers may have already encountered the Northern Metropolis from a rather unique vantage point. In 2022, this urban district made a cameo appearance in the CMG documentary Aerial China. For many, that bird’s eye glimpse was sufficient to prompt a question: what exactly was taking shape in northern Hong Kong? Four years on, and the answer is here.