Festive atmosphere before the 25th anniv. of returning from Hong Kong to the homeland

Lanterns hang over a corridor in Hong Kong, south China, June 19, 2022. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Photo: Xinhua

A tram covered in festive decorations is seen in Hong Kong, south China, June 19, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

National flags of China and flags of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) hang above a street in Hong Kong, south China, June 19, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

Celebration posters are seen on a street in Hong Kong, south China, June 19, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

A celebratory decoration is lit up for the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in Hong Kong, south China, June 18, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

A celebratory decoration is lit up for the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in Hong Kong, south China, June 18, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

People walk past an illuminated celebration decoration for the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in Hong Kong, south China, June 18, 2022. Photo: Xinhua

A slogan celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland is displayed on an electronic screen of a building in Hong Kong, south China, June 19, 2022. Photo: Xinhua