Source: Xinhuanet

07-02-2006 10:44

People in Hong Kong hold the national and regional flags as they participate in a parade to celebrate the 9th anniversary of its handover to the motherland on Saturday, July 1, 2006. (Photo: cnsphoto)

Over 50,000 people joined a parade on Saturday to celebrate the 9th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

Parade for the 9th anniversary of return was co-organized by more than 800 groups in Hong Kong in this regard. A starting-off ceremony for the parade took place at the Hong Kong Stadium, which was kicked off by the Hong Kong garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army by raising the national flag.

Guests who attended the ceremony included Peng Qinghua, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong Rafael Hui.

The paraders set off at about 10:30 a.m. at the starting point, marched through busy streets in Causeway Bay and Wanchai of the Hong Kong Island, and ended at the Wanchai Southern Playground. It carried more than 100 formations which gave on the way performances such as the traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance.

The organizers said an estimated 50,000 people participated in the parade, which was attractive to and welcomed by a large number of local residents and tourists.