It has been 17 years since Hong Kong returned to China’s administration. The Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying, was joined by his two predecessors, Tung Chee-hwa and Donald Tsang, for a flag-raising ceremony in Golden Bauhinia Square. CCTV’s Zhu Dan reports.

There are helicopters from the Government Flying Service whisked flags over the harbour. Fire service boats blasted water cannons in salute, as well as hundreds of ceremonies and carnivals held across the city to mark the anniversary.

“We understand different people have different opinions. This is normal in a society with free speech like Hong Kong. Our government will take great efforts to implement universal suffrage for the Chief Executive (CE) election in 2017. It must comply with Hong Kong’s Basic Law, and the relevant Interpretation and Decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.” Says Leung Chun-Ying, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong.

Great changes in Hong Kong as business goes on as usual

It has been 17 years since Hong Kong returned to China's administration. The Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying, was joined by his two predecessors, Tung Chee-hwa and Donald Tsang, for a flag-raising ceremony in Golden Bauhinia Square. CCTV’s Zhu Dan reports.

In 1997, the Golden Bauhinia statue was erected to mark Hong Kong’s return to China. It remains a symbol of hope that the city will blossom into more prosperity. 17 years on, much has changed, but at the same time, it’s not all out with the old.

What has changed s from 1997 to 2013, Hong Kong’s GDP grew by 3.4 percent annually in real terms. In terms of purchasing power parity, Hong Kong’s GDP per capita ranks 7th in the world, according to the IMF. What has stayed the same is that the city maintains its own system, and is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power and the civil liberties of the people of Hong Kong remain largely intact.

For those joining the celebrations, whether old or young, what they want is to show their backing for the government and the city’s prosperity. It seems the spirit of the city will be carried on from one generation to the next.