Hong Kong marked the 29th anniversary of its handover to China with a series of official ceremonies and public celebrations on Monday, which also coincided with the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The occasion was designated a public holiday in the city.

The day’s events commenced with a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, attended by senior government officials, community leaders, and residents. The ceremony included a fly-past by helicopters flying both the Hong Kong and national flags, followed by a flotilla of fishing vessels sailing nearby as part of the commemorations.

Throughout the day, residents took part in various activities organized to mark the anniversary. Public transportation services offered incentives such as free tram rides and free trips on the Star Ferry route between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui, which were the first of three days of free travel. Additional ferry operators also provided complimentary tickets on select routes.

Aside from transportation benefits, eateries and retail outlets in the city extended special dining and shopping discounts. Cultural institutions joined the celebrations by granting free admission to key venues including the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the M+ museum, allowing residents and visitors to engage with the city’s heritage and art collections.

The combination of official events and public offerings underscored efforts to commemorate the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, highlighting Hong Kong’s unique status and connections with the mainland while encouraging community participation in the anniversary celebrations.