Hong Kong: ten years on
By Paul Oswell, TravelMail
Last updated at 16:40 22 June 2007
It's hard to believe, but a full decade has passed since Britain handed Hong Kong back.
After 156 years as a British colony, Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, outgoing Governor Chris Patten oversaw the transfer, marked by a midnight ceremony on July 1st at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
A whole schedule of special events has been planned, including a very special Chinese gift to the former colony in the shape of of two giant pandas!
The programme has been running since April, but the climax is on July 1st. A parade and 'Symphony of Lights and Fireworks' will take place around Victoria Harbour amid all manner of ceremonial and celebratory pomp.
On the same day, those giant pandas – named Le Le (Happiness) and Ying Ying (Abundance) – will go on display to the public for the very first time.
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