Free access to cultural and public activities bolsters community spirit amid economic revival
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was in a jubilant mood on Monday as residents celebrated the 27th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland with a range of activities.
Many of them shared their confidence in a bright future, buoyed by recent improvements in social order and stability, as well as the implementation of problem-solving policies by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s administration.
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The West Kowloon Cultural District became a hub of activities, with its open spaces and indoor venues brimming with residents and tourists making the most of the public holiday.
The district’s renowned M+ museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum waived their entrance fees for standard exhibitions — normally priced at HK$120 ($15.36) and HK$60 respectively. The initiatives were well received, with M+ museum welcoming over 20,000 visitors and the Hong Kong Palace Museum 5,600 by 5 pm.
Secondary school teacher Leong Yuk-shan visited the Hong Kong Palace Museum with her son, highlighting the holiday offering as an opportunity to immerse the younger generation in the nation’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
As an educator, Leong appreciates the growing stability in Hong Kong and its positive impact on creating a learning-friendly environment for young students.
Leong acknowledged the government’s efforts to address pressing issues of the community, and called for further resource allocation to the education sector, stressing that Hong Kong’s future lies in the next generation.
In a citywide campaign to drive holiday consumption, over 2,000 restaurants joined in the anniversary celebrations by offering discounts, with many cutting prices by 29 percent in a nod to the occasion.
Poon Chung-hwa, a retired resident, seized the opportunity to buy boxes of egg tarts at KFC, sharing the treats and the joyous mood with his family. He said he had experienced an infectious celebratory atmosphere on the streets amid bustling crowds and festive banners.
Poon said he believes that such campaigns will boost holiday consumption. It has become a tradition for the city to enjoy food discounts on July 1.
On Monday, government-operated leisure and sports facilities opened their doors to the public free of charge, allowing many the opportunity to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and quality time with family and friends.
Jaden Cheung Chun-long, a communication company employee in his 30s, enjoyed an afternoon of badminton with friends, courtesy of a complimentary court booking from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
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He said he can see that many industries are recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and said now is a good time to work hard and enjoy the benefits provided by an economic upturn.
Cheung said he hopes for more government policies to support young people that will enhance their prospects.
Facilitating a smooth holiday experience, free rides were offered on public transportation, including subways, trams, light rail, and MTR shuttle buses. Attractions such as Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park Hong Kong offered ticket discounts, while Hong Kong International Airport, shopping malls, and markets launched shopping and dining promotions, ensuring that the anniversary was a day to remember for all.
Brandon Lam contributed to this story.
