Today marks the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. Nearly 400 celebration activities have been on across the city. Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam also delivered a keynote speech at Monday's flag-raising ceremony. CGTN reporter Wang Mengzhen has more.

Raising both the Chinese national flag and Hong Kong regional flag at the city's iconic Golden Bauhinia Square. Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam, along with other current and former officials, joining the special moment. For the local government, a time to reflect on the development of the past 22 years and to move forward.

CARRIE LAM, CHIEF EXECUTIVE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION "Facing more than 7 million local residents, we are committed to further improving their livelihood in areas like education, healthcare, social services as well as creating more job opportunities for our young people and tackling the housing issue. We believe Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique advantages under 'One Country, Two Systems'."

Celebrations have been underway across the city for days. A three-day Greater Bay Area Festival features music, the latest technologies like 5G and AI, are attracting thousands of visitors, particularly young people.

"Over the past twenty-two years, Hong Kong has become more and more closely connected with the mainland. We Hong Kong people now have a deeper understanding of the mainland and a deeper sense of national identity."

"We are doing global business and we are ready to enter the Greater Bay Area. I am quite confident about the future of Hong Kong."

Earlier, PLA Garrison in Hong Kong opened its barracks to local residents as a key part of the celebrations. Guests saw a parade performed by the unit's honor guard, an air show by PLA pilots and a display of its weaponry section.

WANG MENGZHEN BEIJING "On Monday night the spotlight will shift to the grand celebration gala, with a focus on the 'Greater Bay Area', an ambitious plan to link Hong Kong even tighter with neighboring Macao, and southern China's Guangdong province. Wang Mengzhen, CGTN, Beijing."