Hong Kong has been staging a variety of activities, including flag-raising ceremonies and youth parades, to celebrate the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.
Schools across Hong Kong held flag-raising ceremonies on Wednesday, including the Hennessy Road Government Primary School and the Hong Kong Patriotic Education Support Center.
"Today is our 29th anniversary (of returning to the motherland), and we are all very happy. I want to go to Beijing some day," said a student at the HKFEW Wong Cho Bau School.
"Through this flag-raising ceremony, we hope to make our teachers and students feel more deeply the embrace of the motherland after Hong Kong's return, and that Hong Kong's future development must rely on the motherland and face the world," said Wong Kam-leung, a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
A national flag formation event was held at the Hung Hom Waterfront in Kowloon, where nearly 200 young people held up a giant national flag and sang songs to express their best wishes for the motherland and Hong Kong.
A special horse race was held at Sha Tin Racecourse in celebration of the anniversary. Cultural performances and interactive projects were also staged, attracting many citizens and tourists to the joyful atmosphere.
"It's been 29 years since Hong Kong returned to the motherland. I'm so happy. Hong Kong has become better and better over the past 29 years, all because we have a strong motherland. Today I see many friends from the mainland. The integration and development of the Greater Bay Area has made the connection between Hong Kong and the mainland closer and closer, and has also brought more development opportunities," said a Hong Kong resident.
Special consumer offers to mark the anniversary were laid on by the Hong Kong SAR Government and local business with subsidized public transport, cultural and artistic activities, and dining. Residents participated in a variety of colorful anniversary celebrations, making commemorative badges, enjoying delicious food, and sharing their joy.
Hong Kong celebrates 29th anniversary of return to China
