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)