Hong Kong put on a range of celebrations on July 1 to mark the 21st anniversary of its return to the motherland.

The activities were organized by the Hong Kong Celebration Association (HKCA) and included a traditional dragon and lion dance and a theme exhibition of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

A number of government officials delivered remarks at the opening ceremony, which was attended by representatives of various associations, political parties and organizations.

Lion dance is performed to mark the 21st anniversary of HK's return to the motherland. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Addressing the ceremony, Zhang Guangjun, chief president of the Hong Kong Celebration Association, said that in order to celebrate HK's return, the organization is pleased to organize a series of activities, with the three-day exhibition being the highlight. In his address, Zhang noted that Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development is listed as a national strategy and is sure to bring about new opportunities for thriving prosperity in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong residents pose for a group photo with lion dance performers. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Consisting of nine cities in the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong province, as well as Hong Kong and Macao, the Greater Bay Area is the world's fourth major bay area following those of New York, San Francisco and Tokyo. With vigorous support from the central government, Hong Kong is expected to become a world-class bay area, according to Yuan Jun, vice-president of the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences.

Chan Kam-lam, convener of the Hong Kong Dragon and Lion Festival Preparatory Committee, stated that the development of the Greater Bay Area is a historic opportunity to reinforce Hong Kong's competitiveness and the events will boost Dragon and Lion Dance culture in the Greater Bay Area.