Hong Kong Anniversary: Celebrations held across city for 21st anniversary of HK's return
Updated 18:50, 04-Jul-2018
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03:07
Today marks the 21st anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, and its establishment as a Special Administrative Region. A series of celebrations are being held in the city throughout the day. Mao Dan reports.
A day of celebrations begins with a flag-raising ceremony at the iconic Golden Bauhinia Square.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region turns 21 years old as thousands of people witness the regional flag climb slowly up the pole together with the Chinese national flag.
The scene itself is worth the hours of waiting for some audiences.
MR HUANG TOURIST FROM HUNAN "Hong Kong is developing fast, very fast. I think with a strong China we will see a more prosperous Hong Kong."
MS ZHANG HONG KONG RESIDENT "I hope Hong Kong will focus on development, and social conflict will be minimized as a result."
21 years since its return to its motherland from being a British colony, Hong Kong is now developing steadily, under the leadership of a female chief executive, who expressed her faith in the latest national strategies at a reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
CARRIE LAM HONG KONG CHIEF EXECUTIVE "During the past year, the SAR Government upheld the principle of the 'One Country' policy by maintaining an absolutely clear stance when it comes to black and white issues, and showing no tolerance for any act that will impact our country's bottom line. Meanwhile, we used the 'Two Systems' policy to our advantage. With the staunch support of our country, we actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative and planned for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area with the governments of Guangdong and Macao."
MAO DAN HONG KONG "A variety of celebrations are being held across Hong Kong to mark the 21st anniversary of its return to China. And it's not only a day of looking back at the way the SAR has come along, but also a time to look ahead at the opportunities for its future development."
At a grand Dragon and Lion Carnival in Victoria Park, some 3 kilometers east of the flag-raising venue, exhibitions of the "Greater Bay Area" are stealing the spotlight and are attracting many young people.
CHAN WING-YAN HONG KONG RESIDENT "I am here to check out the concept of the 'Greater Bay Area'. People keep talking about it these days. I hope to learn more about the whole plan and discover the opportunities it will bring."
SO KA-LOK HONG KONG RESIDENT "I've visited some other cities within the area. I think people in Hong Kong will have greater prospects if we can change our minds and integrate into national development."
Since July 1st is a public holiday in Hong Kong, the scope and extent of the celebrations have varied over the years. But the shared hope for a better future in Hong Kong stays the same. Mao Dan, CGTN, HONG KONG.