11th anniversary of HK´s return to Motherland

July 1st marks the 11th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. A flag raising ceremony and grand reception was held in the Special Administrative Region to mark the event.

Helicopters with the Chinese national flag (R) and the flag  of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) fly  over the Golden Bauhinia Square during the flag raising  ceremony to mark the 11th anniversary of Hong Kong's return  to the Motherland in Hong Kong, China, July 1, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Hundreds of officials and local people attended the flag raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square.

Hong Kong residents expressed their support for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games, and their confidence in the region's future development.

Following the ceremony, Hong Kong Chief Executive, Donald Tsang, hosted a cocktail reception. He pledged further support to China's quake-hit Sichuan Province in its reconstruction. Tsang reiterated that Hong Kong will do its utmost to help bring about a very successful Olympics.