Hong Kong commemorated the 29th anniversary of its return to China on Wednesday with a series of celebrations across the city, including flag-raising ceremonies, horse races, and a drone performance.
Flag-Raising Ceremonies and Official Reception
At 8 a.m. local time, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. This was followed by a reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, attended by dignitaries from various sectors.
In his speech at the reception, Chief Executive John Lee reviewed the city's progress over the past few years, pledging to bolster economic development and enable the public to better share the benefits of growth. He stated that Hong Kong will seize opportunities from national development and leverage its advantage of being connected to both the Chinese mainland and the world.
Astronaut’s Greetings from Space
Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, marked the occasion by unfurling the regional flag of the HKSAR aboard the Tiangong space station. She sent her warmest wishes to her home city and expressed gratitude to the nation via video link during the reception.
Ceremonies Across the City
On Wednesday morning, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, the Office for Safeguarding National Security, and the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry held flag-raising ceremonies. Educational institutions and various venues citywide also conducted such ceremonies. Kai Tak Sports Park, which opened last year, hosted a flag-raising ceremony alongside sports workshops.
Public Celebrations and Activities
In Victoria Harbor, fishing vessels sailed in a procession, greeted by residents taking photos. At the Tsim Sha Tsui pier, a flash mob performing patriotic songs drew audiences and applause. The afternoon horse race at Sha Tin Racecourse attracted tens of thousands of spectators. Attendee Mr. Ng said, “Coming to the races on July 1st has been my tradition for years. There are always new surprises.”
Many sports and cultural venues, including the M+ Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, were open to the public for free. Visitor Lam brought her two children to the Hong Kong Palace Museum, stating, “Bringing the children to see the artifacts makes for both a celebration and an educational experience.”
Promotions and Discounts
To encourage celebration, the city rolled out extensive promotion schemes for transportation, shopping, and dining. Free tram rides, free Star Ferry rides, and MTR lottery electronic tickets were available. Over 3,000 restaurants and retail outlets provided discounts and special offers.
Nighttime Drone Show
Over Victoria Harbor, a large-scale drone show was staged, with thousands of drones forming patterns including blooming bauhinia flowers and astronauts. Retired teacher Mr. Wong said, “Hong Kong’s return to the motherland is a shared celebration for all of us, and that sense of belonging has grown stronger every year. Life has got better every year since Hong Kong returned to the motherland, and that gives a real sense of reassurance.”
