Hong Kong's Return to China Monument

Hong Kong's Return to China Monument

Hong Kong's Return to China Monument is located in the plaza on the north side of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, complementing the nearby sculpture "Forever Blooming Bauhinia," which stands in the northeast corner of the plaza. The monument stands 20 metres tall and is 1.6 metres wide, consisting of three parts: the base, the main shaft, and the capital. The front of the main shaft bears an inscription personally written by the President of the country, reading “Hong Kong Return to China Monument.” The east and west sides of the base are inscribed with the Chinese text and its English translation respectively.

Appearance Description

The monument faces the sea and is surrounded by open space with long hours of sunlight. Therefore, both the base and the main shaft are made of dark-coloured granite from the same vein—durable stone with uniform and stable colour—but treated differently to create varied textures.

The main shaft of the monument is composed of 206 stacked stone rings, representing the years from 1842 to 2047. Among these, the stone rings for the years 1842, 1860, 1898, 1982, 1984, and 1990 are made of lighter-coloured stone. The only stone ring embedded with a luminous ring represents the year 1997, symbolising the profound historical significance of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in that year. The mix of square and circular elements in the shaft adds dynamic visual effects in three dimensions.

The capital of the monument is forged from copper and treated with oxidation to maintain its appearance over time. Spotlights are installed around the monument, with a 4000-watt spotlight at the top that can illuminate up to over 10 kilometres. The stone ring representing 1997 is fitted with 32 fibre-optic points, creating a star-like shimmer up close and a glowing halo from afar. The base of the capital has 48 fibre-optic points that illuminate the column surface. The copper capital, treated with oxidation for lasting lustre, symbolises the continued prosperity of Hong Kong after its return.

Inscription on the Monument

Hong Kong is located in the southern frontier of China, with clear waters and deep harbours. Its residents have flourished through generations, and maritime routes connect it to distant seas. After the Opium War in 1840, Britain seized Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and later coerced the lease of the New Territories. Benefiting from its position as a meeting point of East and West, Hong Kong developed as a free port to promote international trade. With a strong rule of law, a diligent population, successful business endeavours, and strong support from the motherland, it grew into a global financial, trade, and shipping hub. Throughout a century of turmoil for China, patriots ceaselessly sought the recovery of lost territory. Since the launch of reform and opening-up, the nation has grown stronger. In 1997, China announced the recovery of Hong Kong. The great statesman Mr. Deng Xiaoping put forth the visionary concepts of “One Country, Two Systems,” “Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong,” and a high degree of autonomy, winning widespread public support. Sino-British diplomatic negotiations ensued, culminating in the signing of the Joint Declaration, wherein the British government agreed to return Hong Kong to China. In accordance with the Constitution, the Chinese government established the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The National People’s Congress then formed the “Basic Law Drafting Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,” gathering public opinion and submitting the Basic Law to the NPC for approval. The “Preparatory Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” was also set up to oversee the establishment of the SAR. Through elections by the Selection Committee, the Central People’s Government appointed Mr. Tung Chee-hwa as the first Chief Executive.

At midnight on 30 June 1997, the governments of China and the UK held the Hong Kong handover ceremony in Hong Kong, presided over by the President and Prince Charles. The event drew worldwide attention, with thousands of guests from home and abroad attending. The national and regional flags were raised amid roaring cheers as the People’s Liberation Army entered Hong Kong. A new era had dawned. Now, two years after the return, the Central Government and the SAR Government remain committed to the Basic Law, and residents live in peace and contentment. The Preparatory Committee decided to erect this monument to commemorate the momentous return. It is hoped that all Chinese people, especially future generations of Hong Kongers, will uphold the spirit of diligence and lawfulness of their predecessors, love the nation and Hong Kong, steadily advance democracy, and jointly achieve prosperity. Hong Kong shall stand tall as a world-class metropolis and a key economic, trade, and cultural hub in southern China, shining brightly for millennia to come.

Transportation Guide

Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Wan Chai District, Hong Kong.

How to get there: Take KMB bus routes 373A or 961.