About this Holiday
HKSAR Establishment Day commemorates July 1, 1997, when sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established under the 'one country, two systems' principle. The day is marked by a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, official government celebrations, and a fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. The Bauhinia — Hong Kong's emblem — is prominently displayed throughout the city as a symbol of the SAR's unique identity.