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Get ready to celebrate the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 1! This day commemorates the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China in 1997. It is a public holiday in Hong Kong and is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and other festivities. The region has a rich history and unique culture that makes it a popular tourist destination. So let's join in on the celebrations and learn more about this vibrant city on its special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1842</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Hong Kong Ceded to UK</div><div class='timeline-text'>After defeat in the First Opium War, China signed the Treaty of Nanjing, ceding Hong Kong to the United Kingdom.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1898</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lease of New Territories</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Second Convention of Peking resulted in China leasing the New Territories to the UK for 99 years.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941-1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Japanese Occupation</div><div class='timeline-text'>During World War II, Hong Kong was occupied by Japan, but returned to UK control after the war's end.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sino-British Joint Declaration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Kingdom and China signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, agreeing to return Hong Kong to China in 1997.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Handover to China</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sovereignty of Hong Kong was transferred to China, becoming a Special Administrative Region with a high degree of autonomy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997-Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Annual Establishment Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Since 1997, July 1 has been celebrated as Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day, marking the handover with various festivities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a fireworks display</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Hong Kong hold spectacular fireworks displays to celebrate this special day. Find out where the closest one is and make plans to attend with friends and family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore Hong Kong's history and culture</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take this opportunity to learn more about Hong Kong's rich history and culture by visiting museums, heritage sites, and attending cultural events. This will not only be educational but also a fun way to celebrate the day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Indulge in traditional treats</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Try some traditional Hong Kong snacks and dishes such as egg tarts, pineapple buns, and dim sum. These delicious treats are a must-try on this special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join a festive parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Hong Kong also hold parades to celebrate this important day. Join in the fun and excitement by watching or participating in the parade.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a lion dance performance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Lion dance performances are a traditional Chinese art form and are often seen during festive occasions. Find out if there will be any performances near you and enjoy the energetic and colorful show.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors Hong Kong's unique history and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 1997 marked a significant moment in the city's history. It recognizes Hong Kong's distinctive blend of Eastern and Western influences, as well as its long-standing tradition of economic and political autonomy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates unity and diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hong Kong is known for its diverse population and vibrant cultural landscape. The establishment day serves as a reminder to embrace this diversity and come together as one community to celebrate the city's achievements and future aspirations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It marks progress and growth</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Since its establishment in 1997, Hong Kong has continued to grow and thrive as a global financial hub and modern metropolis. This day commemorates this progress and serves as a reminder of the hard work and resilience of the Hong Kong people.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Name "Hong Kong" Means Fragrant Harbour</h3><p class='facts-content'>The term "Hong Kong" translates to "Fragrant Harbour" in English, possibly referring to the historical fragrant incense business based in the region during early trading days.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hong Kong's Skyscrapers Exceed Any Other City</h3><p class='facts-content'>With more than 300 buildings over 150m tall, Hong Kong boasts more skyscrapers than any other city in the world, reflecting its development as a major financial hub.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Victoria Harbour is Earth's Busiest Ports</h3><p class='facts-content'>Handling over 220,000 ships yearly, Victoria Harbour is one of the busiest and most efficient international ports globally, facilitating vast global trade networks.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hong Kong's Public Transit System has an On-Time Rate of 99.9%</h3><p class='facts-content'>One of the best in the world, Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway system is known for its efficiency with an on-time rate of 99.9%, transporting over 5 million passengers daily.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>World's Most Visited City in 2019</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to a 2019 report by market research firm Euromonitor International, Hong Kong was the most visited city in the world, reinforcing its status as a popular tourist destination.</p></div></div>
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day is celebrated on July 1 every year. In 2024, it falls on a Monday.
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