The Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society was founded in 1847. Dating back over 150 years, the Society is today a very active body, organizing varied visits, talks, seminars and more with particular interest in the history, art, literature and culture of China and Asia, with special reference to Hong Kong. The Society promotes the study of Asia has been maintained by the devotion of generations of eminent scholars, explorers, and others who have contributed through its journal, in public addresses and in many other ways. The Society is well known for its RASHKB annual journal published since 1961.