A festive vibe permeated the streets of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions on Tuesday as officials, residents and tourists turned out in droves to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
In separate speeches marking the special occasion, the leaders of the Hong Kong and Macao SARs lauded the nation's enduring support. They also renewed their pledges to uphold the "one country, two systems" principle and integrate both cities' development with that of the nation.
Following a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said at a reception that the city will persist in seizing the opportunities arising from national development, and in bolstering the economy and making its residents happier.
He highlighted Hong Kong's commitment to making full use of the advantages of the motherland's strong support and being closely connected with the world under "one country, two systems".
Lee vowed to lead Hong Kong in proactively integrating its development with that of the nation. He also pledged to give full play to its roles as a "super value adder" and "super connector" in the country's domestic and international dual-circulation economic paradigm — especially within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The city will thereby make greater contributions to the nation's opening-up and high-quality development, he added.
Lee also pledged that the city will further deepen reforms for economic advancement and strive to create a better quality of life for residents with improved housing, enhanced youth development, better elderly care and a peaceful and friendly environment in which to live and work.
He noted that local households have seen monthly income increase on average about HK$2,800($360), which is growth of more than 10 percent since his administration took office.
Meanwhile, in Macao, Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng pledged to comprehensively seize the historic opportunities presented by the nation's deepening reform by aligning its development with that of the nation, and by relentlessly buttressing its advantages and uniqueness.
He noted that the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, held in Beijing in July, issued a clarion call for the further and comprehensive deepening of reforms.
In addition to being the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China, this year also marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. Ho called for Macao to keep up with the times and to respond to changes accurately, scientifically and proactively, adding that the city has been the apple of the nation's eye for the past 25 years and appreciates the strong backing and great opportunities that the nation has provided.
Days before National Day, festivities had already kicked off with choir performances, sports competitions and other activities. A myriad of colorful activities throughout the cities fostered a festive ambiance for all residents. In Hong Kong alone, the government and various sectors organized over 400 celebratory events.
The two regions began the official National Day celebration on Tuesday with flag-raising ceremonies, followed by receptions attended by social dignitaries. The celebratory mood reached its height on Tuesday night with grand fireworks displays.
Residents of both regions enjoyed free or discounted rides on various modes of transportation in the city, with numerous entertainment facilities like museums and parks offering free admission to the public on National Day. The business sector, including the dining and retail industries, also joined in the festivities by distributing electronic vouchers and providing discounts to residents.
Kwan Mei-fung took her granddaughter to Tsim Sha Tsui on Tuesday afternoon, hoping to get a better view of the annual National Day fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.
Also immersed in the holiday vibe was Xue Lung-yi, a student at Lai Chack Middle School. Xue joined her classmates in singing a song to mark the day at a celebratory event featuring a run, exhibitions and performances in the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Extending her wishes for the country to prosper, Xue expressed hopes for Hong Kong to progress as well, with the nation's support.
The city also welcomed the many tourists from the Chinese mainland who hoped to experience the holiday festivities. Among them was Shen Qun, a tourist from Guangzhou, who brought her son and elderly members of the family.
Praising Hong Kong's strong mood of festivity, Shen said her family looked forward to the fireworks display on Tuesday night. She also noted the closer bond between the mainland and Hong Kong and expressed optimism in the city's future, adding that her family would visit Macao next.
