Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Establishment Day marks the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China in 1997 and the creation of the Hong Kong SAR under the principle of "one country, two systems". It is a public holiday observed with official ceremonies, flag-raising events, and community celebrations that reflect Hong Kong's unique identity and connection with both China and the world.

When is Buddha's Birthday?

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day is celebrated on July 1 every year.

The following is the list of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day?

Hong Kong's modern history began with the First Opium War (1839–1842) between China's Qing Dynasty and Britain. After China's defeat, the Treaty of Nanking (1842) ceded Hong Kong Island to Britain.

Later treaties — the Convention of Peking (1860) and the Second Convention of Peking (1898) — extended British control to Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, the latter leased for 99 years until 1997. Under British rule, Hong Kong developed from a small fishing village into a global financial hub, known for its free-market economy, trade, and diverse culture.

As the 99-year lease of the New Territories neared its end, both China and Britain had to decide Hong Kong's future. In 1979, Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping introduced the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", proposing that Hong Kong could maintain its capitalist system and way of life after its return to China.

Formal negotiations between the two governments began in 1982. On December 19, 1984, the Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed in Beijing: Britain agreed to return Hong Kong to China on July 1, 1997, and China promised that Hong Kong would become a Special Administrative Region (SAR), enjoying a high degree of autonomy for 50 years, until 2047.

The official handover ceremony took place at midnight on July 1, 1997, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. The event marked the end of 156 years of British colonial rule and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) under the People's Republic of China. At the same time, China's Basic Law for Hong Kong came into effect, outlining its governance, freedoms, and relationship with Beijing.

The early years after 1997 were marked by optimism and the continuation of Hong Kong's economic success and international status. Over time, however, debates emerged over autonomy, governance, and democratic reform, leading to public demonstrations on several anniversaries of the handover. Despite political tensions, July 1 remains a day of both celebration and reflection on Hong Kong's evolving identity within China.

For many residents, it is also a public holiday for rest, family gatherings, and community activities. Some years have also seen peaceful marches or public demonstrations, reflecting the diversity of opinion in Hong Kong society.