The steamer was launched in 1856.[1] By early 1857, it was acquired by the Royal Navy as a hired steamer. On February 10, the ship, led by HMS Sybille, took part in a firing against Qing ships off Second Bar Island.[2] On April 6, the ship was involved in another skirmish in Sandy Bay, where several junks were sunk.[3]
On May 25, Hong Kong, with Commodore Charles Elliot on board, fought in the Battle of Escape Creek.[3] In the same month, command was transferred to Commodore Henry Keppel, who hoisted his broad pennant on the ship for future actions in the Canton River.[4] Under his pennant, Hong Kong participated in the Battle of Fatshan Creek on June 1,[5] from which Keppel commanded the British forces.[6] The ship came under heavy Chinese fire, and suffered heavy damage during the battle. She was grounded twice and was hulled twelve times.[3] She survived the battle, and was transferred out of Keppel's command on August 22, 1858.[4] She was sold around the same year.[1]
United Kingdom