This paper attempts to review research work conducted on Hong Kong soils, including soil classification, soil fertility, and soil environmental protection. It is hoped to provide some insights into rational use of the soil resource, ecological and environmental protection, and sustainable development of modern societ ies for other areas of China, which are also undergoing rapid economic development. In order to rationalize exploitation of the land resource in Hong Kong, it is important to conduct systematic research covering soil genesis, soil taxonomy, soil characteristics, soil spatial distribution and variable pattern, and to establish soil information (including soil database and soil atlas) and service system. Furthermore it is also essential to acquire a sound knowledge of the geochemical background of harmful and beneficial trace elements in Hong Kong soil. This should include environmental biogeochemistry of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for assessment of their potential risks to the ecology and human health. Based on these studies, a long-term workstation for Hong Kong soils can be established for assessing and forecasting the soil environmental quality in Hong Kong. In addition, it is necessary to form a risk assessment system and a remediation technology system for contaminated soil in Hong Kong.