Hong Kong prepares to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its return to the motherland. The Special Administrative Region is getting ready for a big event to mark the occasion.

Downtown Hong Kong - Time Square is all decked out for the anniversary, marking ten years since it became a Special Administrative Region. More than two thousand red flags symbolize the excitement of Hong Kong residents as the special event approaches.

Ma Weile, organizer, said, "The ten year anniversary is a very delightful and exciting celebration. So we use the color of red around here."

Flags and banners are out on nearly every street in the city proper -- and in nearby suburbs, parks and shopping centers are a blaze of color. Special songs commissioned to commemorate the anniversary play nonstop -- catching on with customers and strollers who hum along.

A HK resident said, "Of course I feel happy. It's a whole decade now. I'm so excited. Besides here, there are lots of other celebrations going on in Hong Kong."

As night falls, huge neon lights explode everywhere, in a glittering tribute to the tenth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

HK prepares fireworks for July 1st

A grand firework display has been arranged on the night of July 1st as part of the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

The fireworks, coupled with music and laser shows, will light up Hong Kong's night sky.

The display consists of 10 acts, each with its own theme. The themes are related to Hong Kong's economic development since 1997 and the people's support for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. The show will feature many new technologies.