Thousands gathered at Sha Tin Racecourse on Tuesday to mark the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as the Reunification Raceday kicked off with a series of celebratory events and horse races. The occasion drew a combination of local residents, mainland visitors, and international tourists, all enjoying free admission to the public enclosures at both Sha Tin and Happy Valley racecourses.
Despite the late afternoon heat, the crowd remained enthusiastic, waving fans, banners, and both national and Bauhinia flags in a festive atmosphere. The event opened with performances by renowned mainland tenor Zhang Yingxi, who sang patriotic songs including “My Motherland, My Mother” and “I Love You, China.” He was followed by popular local singer Raymond Tam Fai-chi, who performed well-known Hong Kong classics such as “Hong Kong Welcomes You” and “Below the Lion Rock.” The duo also performed a duet of the iconic “Pearl of the Orient” before Zhang led attendees in singing the national anthem, accompanied by the Hong Kong Police Band.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki attended the opening ceremony and expressed his impressions on social media, noting the energetic atmosphere and the unity among participants. He described the combination of the cheering crowd and the momentum of the horse races as embodying the city’s vitality and a warm spirit of return.
After the initial performances, some attendees sought respite from the heat by moving to air-conditioned areas to place bets on the races. Among them were local residents Cannis Lam, 52, and her friend Kong Ling, 57, who had come specifically to see Raymond Tam perform. “He sings beautifully and we have liked him for many years,” Lam said.
Other visitors highlighted the event’s appeal across age groups. Yang Mengxin, 23, a foreign trade worker from Zhejiang, praised the racecourse’s facilities and betting options, observing a blend of youthful excitement and comfortable seating areas that catered to older guests. She said the celebrations fostered a strong sense of unity, reflecting the “One Country, Two Systems” principle but also emphasizing a common family spirit.
International attendees also shared positive impressions. Georgie Bilby, a visitor from Sydney attending Sha Tin for the first time, complimented the venue’s size and vibrancy, noting an increase in friendly interactions compared to previous visits. Meanwhile, Brad Day from New Jersey, who was in Hong Kong for a conference, described the event as a “reunification” celebration coinciding with a personal milestone, his 30th wedding anniversary.
The Reunification Raceday combined traditional celebrations with sporting excitement, offering a platform for diverse communities to come together in recognition of Hong Kong’s unique status and history.