Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day 2023: Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong Establishment Day, or simply Establishment Day, is celebrated annually on July 1 to commemorate Hong Kong’s independence from British colonial rule and the transfer of sovereignty to the People’s Republic of China. This day also marks the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. There are a number of evening pyrotechnics displays organised by the government in the region to commemorate the occasion. It is a significant day that also commemorates the remarkable economic growth that fueled innovation, development, and entrepreneurship in the region.
HISTORY OF HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION ESTABLISHMENT DAY
China surrendered Hong Kong to the United Kingdom after losing the Opium Wars, which lasted from 1839 to 1860. The latter triumphed, allowing the British access to the lucrative drug trade, and swift peace negotiations ensued. These events led to the signing of the Treaty of Nanjing, which required China to pay a substantial indemnity to Britain, cede Hong Kong, and increase the number of treaty ports.
The United Kingdom was granted control of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories by two additional treaties. Thus, British Hong Kong became a dependent territory of the colonial British Empire from 1841 to 1997, excluding the period of Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945.
In 1984, after years of negotiations, the British and Chinese signed a formal agreement authorising the transfer of the island in exchange for China’s promise to preserve Hong Kong’s capitalist system.
It was negotiated that the colony would become a part of China, but that it would retain its existing political system, creating a “one country, two systems” structure. This assuaged the fears of many that the handover to China would erode the systems and freedoms that define Hong Kong’s economy capitalist and laissez-faire.
On the evening of 30 June 1997, a handover ceremony was conducted in Wan Chai, which lasted until the following morning, when the British returned Hong Kong to China. The principal British guest was Prince Charles of Wales, who delivered a departure address on behalf of the British monarch. Tony Blair, the newly designated Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, along with other high-ranking ministers, Chinese President Jiang Zemin, and the first Chief Executive of Hong Kong were also present.
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5 FACTS ABOUT HONG KONG THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
Significant people
In Chinese, Hong Kong means ‘fragrant harbour’ and Kowloon means ‘nine dragons.’
You may not locate the fourth floor.
The Chinese term for ‘four’ sounds similar to the word for ‘death’ and is therefore considered unlucky.
Feng Shui is prevalent.
Among other Feng Shui designs, the rooftop of the H.S.B.C. Hong Kong building in Central has two rods in position to deflect negative energy.
Their airfield is enormous
The Hong Kong International Airport occupies an area equal to twenty football fields.
It has a magnificent skyline.
There are over 8,000 shimmering skyscrapers in the region.
HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION ESTABLISHMENT DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | July 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
