The Expo Promenade (also known as
Golden Bauhinia
Square) outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on
the Wan Chai waterfront marks the most significant occasion in Hong
Kong's history - the return of the former British colony to the
People's Republic of China (PRC), and the establishment of the
Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.
The handover took place in the convention centre with President
Jiang Zemin and other PRC dignitaries representing China, and
Prince Charles present to witness the relinquishment of what had
often been described as "the richest jewel in the British
Crown".
The main ceremonies took place on the night of 30 June 1997. The
Hong Kong SAR came into being on 1 July under its Chief Executive,
Shanghai-born former shipping magnate, Tung Chee-Hwa.
The "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" Sculpture (Golden Bauhinia) is a
gift from the people of the PRC to mark the widespread joy of the
Chinese at the return of the territory to the Motherland after more
than 100 years. Other gifts to commemorate the historic occasion
were sent by each of China's provinces, autonomous regions and
other territories.
Near the Golden Bauhinia stands the Reunification Monument
bearing inscriptions of President Jiang Zemin's calligraphy.
Special Flag Raising Ceremony:
Catch all the pomp and ceremony of the official daily flag
raising at the Golden Bauhinia Square located outside the Hong Kong
Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Note: Due to improvement works, the flag-raising ceremony will
be suspended from 1 - 4 March and from 2 -18 April 2007.
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Daily Flag Raising Ceremony?Daily (Every day except 1st of
each month): 7:50am - 8:03am
Performed by 5 officers all wearing the normal police uniform
including the broadcast of National Anthem.
Enhanced Flag Raising Ceremony On the 1st of every month: 7:45am
- 8:13am
It will include a flag raising party of 15 officers in
ceremonial dress, including a rifle escort team (10 officers in
ceremonial dress). The ceremony will also include the National
Anthem to be played by the Police Band followed by a 10-minute
musical performance by the Police Pipe Band.
Note: Please be aware that flag raising ceremony may be
cancelled due to bad weather conditions. In case of cancellation an
announcement will be made over local media channels between 7am and
8am. If you have any queries please phone the Police Training
School at +852 2814 4279 between 7am and 8am for the latest
information.
How to get there:
Wanchai MTR Exit A5. Walk along the crossover. About 10 minutes
walk to Golden Bauhinia Square.
(discoverhongkong.com)
