Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu delivers a speech at the launching ceremony of a celebration event organized by the Hong Kong Celebrations Association to mark the 26th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, June 30, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Hong Kong’s attractiveness has continued to grow over the past year under the double guarantee of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". 

The city's stability and economic growth have continued to flourish, Lee said. 

Zheng also reflected on the challenging situation that had emerged in Hong Kong over recent years, which has made residents aware that they must not lose sight of the city’s direction and identity

Lee made the remarks on Friday at the launch ceremony of a three-day event at Victoria Park to celebrate the 26th anniversary on July 1 of the city’s return to the motherland and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. 

READ MORE: National Security Law the guardian of Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity

Lee said with support from the central government and assistance from the city’s residents over the past year, Hong Kong has successfully emerged from the shadow of the pandemic.

Lee also highlighted the notable transformations in many areas of the city and the enthusiastic participation of people from all walks of life in the celebrations. The streets are decorated with national and district flags, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere of Chinese red.

Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, said he is glad to see that executive-led governance is being conducted in an orderly and responsible manner, and the legislative and judicial bodies are fulfilling their duties in accordance with the law.

He noted that the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests have been effectively safeguarded over the last year, and Hong Kong has gradually emerged from the political turmoil of the past. Zheng expressed delight at seeing a return to the Hong Kong he knows and loves.

Zheng also reflected on the challenging situation that had emerged in Hong Kong over recent years, which has made residents aware that they must not lose sight of the city’s direction and identity, and must not allow themselves to be misled or exploited by others. 

He added that by maintaining its international advantages and integrating with the country's development, Hong Kong can continue to thrive under the "one country, two systems" principle.

Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government Zheng Yanxiong delivers a speech at the launching ceremony of a celebration event organized by the Hong Kong Celebrations Association to mark the 26th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, June 30, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Tam Kam-kau, chairman of the Hong Kong Celebrations Association, introduced the three-day event at Victoria Park, featuring numerous large exhibition areas showcasing traditional Chinese culture, innovative technology from the Greater Bay Area, local artistic installations, and many other attractions.

The event will also include exciting performances by cultural and artistic teams from various provinces and cities in the Chinese mainland, as well as dance and acrobatic shows demonstrating the unique customs and ethnic styles of different regions, he added.

READ MORE: National Security Law interpretation a welcome act

Speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, Lee said the government and many public organizations will be offering a variety of freebies to celebrate the anniversary. Thousands of the city’s restaurants will also offer discounts on July 1. 

Guests attend the launching ceremony of a three-day event at Victoria Park in Hong Kong to celebrate the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, June 30, 2023. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has announced that most of its leisure facilities will be available free of charge to the public. In addition, free admission will be offered for permanent exhibitions at several museums, including the Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum, M+ museum, and Hong Kong Palace Museum.

From July 1, residents will be able to enjoy free tram rides for five days. Star Ferry and Fortune Ferry rides, as well as selected Hong Kong Water Taxi routes, will also be provided without charge.

Official data shows that the Hong Kong economy saw a significant improvement due to the recovery of inbound tourism and domestic demand in the first quarter of 2023. Real GDP showed a year-on-year growth of 2.7 percent, following a contraction of 4.1 percent in the previous quarter. 

In the first five months of the year, more than 10 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong, exceeding 40 percent of the average level from 2017 to 2019, according to data from the Hong Kong Tourism Board. In 2020, the city only welcomed about 600,000 visitors in the entire year.