Sir John Bowring; KCB (Chinese translated name: ??;?? or ??) (17 October 1792 - 23 November 1872) was an English political economist; traveller; miscellaneous writer; polyglot; and the 4th Governor of Hong Kong.

In 1849; Bowring was appointed British consul at Canton (today's Guangzhou); and superintendent of trade in China; a post which he held for four years.

On 13 April 1854; Bowring was sent to Hong Kong as governor.During his governorship; a dispute broke out with the Chinese and the irritation caused by his spirited or high-handed policy led to the Second Opium War (1856-1860). At the same time; he allowed the Chinese citizens in Hong Kong to serve as jurors in trials and become lawyers. Finally; Bowring is credited with establishing Hong Kong's first commercial public water supply system and establishing the Hong Kong buildings ordinance; ensuring the safer design of all future construction projects in the colony.

In 1855 he visited Siam; and negotiated with King Mongkut a treaty of commerce; now commonly referred as the Bowring Treaty. Bowring retired in March 1859 and received a pension for his duties. Pictures From History