Festivities unfolded across all 18 districts, featuring hundreds of vibrant celebrations that attracted both locals and tourists, immersing themselves in the lively spirit of the Pearl of the Orient.

HONG KONG, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong was filled with a festive and harmonious atmosphere on Tuesday on the 28th anniversary of its return to the motherland.

Throughout the streets, the national flag of the People's Republic of China and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) fluttered. Festivities unfolded across all 18 districts, featuring hundreds of vibrant celebrations that attracted both locals and tourists, immersing themselves in the lively spirit of the Pearl of the Orient.

At 8 a.m., the HKSAR government held a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, followed by a reception at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, gathering dignitaries from various sectors.

"As long as we are determined to fully seize the opportunities, keep enhancing our value and competitiveness, undertake reforms for progress and foster innovation, I am confident the wisdom and experience of the people of Hong Kong will help our Pearl of the Orient shine brighter than ever on the world stage," HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said when addressing the reception.

Earlier that morning, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, the Office for Safeguarding National Security, the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army also held flag-raising ceremonies.

Educational institutions across Hong Kong, including the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), also held flag-raising ceremonies. EdUHK's president believed that "the flag-raising ceremony is the best lesson in patriotism."

As the sun rose, Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour buzzed with celebrations. The waterfront promenade was bustling with visitors, many waving national and SAR flags in the refreshing sea breeze, creating waves of red.

A three-day event at Victoria Park featured a popular Panda-themed exhibition, showcasing a two-meter-tall panda sculpture surrounded by 100 smaller ones, drawing visitors eager to capture the moment.

Mr. Cheng, a local resident in his seventies, snapped dozens of photos, expressing his fondness for pandas. "I came specifically to take pictures. Later, I plan to hop on the free tram to Central, where the celebrations will continue," he told Xinhua.

In addition to parades and variety shows, the HKSAR government and local businesses offered special promotions across transportation, culture, and dining, allowing people to celebrate the anniversary together. Free tram rides, free Star Ferry rides, and MTR lottery electronic tickets were also available.

Throughout the day, numerous recreational and cultural businesses provided free or discounted activities. Shopping malls and stores offered free ice cream, popcorn, and panda balloons. Over 4,100 restaurants provided discounts, more than in previous years.

By 10:30 a.m., people were already queuing at the piers for the Star Ferry. Chiang, waiting with her child, told Xinhua, "I brought my child to see the flag-raising. Watching the helicopter fly by with national and SAR flags makes me emotional."

She hoped her daughter would cherish her love for the motherland, wherever she lives.

Across Hong Kong, various groups shared their blessings for the motherland and Hong Kong. A flotilla of 28 fishing boats, displaying national and SAR flags, cruised through Victoria Harbour, attracting crowds eager to watch and photograph the event.

At the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, a flash mob performing patriotic songs drew many listeners and inspired a spontaneous sing-along.

A horse race at Sha Tin Racecourse amplified the festive atmosphere, drawing about 24,500 spectators. Some hailed the event as a celebration of Hong Kong's unique charm and vitality.

Lyu Wenxin from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said that she would work for Hong Kong's prosperity.