The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government holds a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

In celebration of the National Day, China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held on Tuesday a series of events including a flag-raising ceremony, a reception, and a fireworks display that wrapped up the day's festivities.

A flag-raising ceremony was held in the morning at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, followed by a reception.

"The development of Hong Kong cannot be separated from that of the country, and the country will always be the strongest backing for Hong Kong," HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said at the reception, wishing Hong Kong and the motherland prosperity.

A sea of red is shown across Hong Kong. Local residents in various districts organized to raise the national flag and play the national anthem. In the Eastern District Cultural Square, more than 300 residents formed a phalanx showcasing the number "75" under the national flag and took a group photo.

More than 400 activities were held in Hong Kong around the time of the National Day, filling the city with joy. On Tuesday, about 3,600 restaurants, some cinemas, and various public transportation offered discounts. There were also free admissions to many museums and parks.

"The Origins of Chinese Civilization" special exhibition at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, astronomy film show "China the Mission to the Moon" at the Hong Kong Space Museum, and the "Glorious Voyage: Splendid Achievements of the People's Republic of China in Its 75 Years" exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of History introduced the past and present of China.

An event held at the West Kowloon Cultural District showcased advanced technologies of the country such as new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as the enthusiasm of Hong Kong's young people for science and technology innovation.

"This National Day is very meaningful," a Hong Kong middle school student said when introducing the high-tech exhibits to the visitors.

Fireworks celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China illuminate the sky over Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

A fireworks display held in the evening brought the atmosphere to a climax. Residents and tourists thronged both sides of the Victoria Harbor for the event, which was estimated to attract around 330,000 spectators, with some arriving before noon to find the perfect spot.

At 9:05 p.m., the show began with red stars and purple five-petal flowers lighting up the sky, symbolizing the shared bright future for the motherland and the HKSAR.

Fireworks shaped like green bamboo leaves followed to echo the arrival of a pair of giant pandas last week gifted by the central government and the twin cubs born in Hong Kong in August.

"I hope the giant pandas can lead nice and happy lives in Hong Kong, and I look forward to meeting them," said a resident while taking a picture of a stuffed panda against the backdrop of the fireworks.

The 23-minute show culminated at last with a barrage of fireworks, cheers and applause. National flags and the HKSAR flags were waved by viewers throughout the show.

"I wish the motherland prosperity and strength, and the HKSAR never-ending drive for development," said a resident who watched the show with his family to celebrate the National Day which is also his birthday.

The fireworks show ushered in brisk holiday tourism for the city, which is expected to see around 1.2 million tourist trips from the Chinese mainland during the seven-day holiday.

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