A themed tram with slogans celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland passes through the Central district. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Jubilation fills the air in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the city prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland on July 1. China Daily’s photographers recorded the festive atmosphere, which can be felt on every corner of the city, with streets emblazoned with red flags, trams decorated with banners offering words of blessing, and parks bathed in a sea of colorful flowers. The grand view of Hong Kong embodies its glorious present and heralds its continuing prosperity in the future.

Posters decorate a skyway in Admiralty to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the special administrative region. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

A light box celebrating the 25th anniversary is set up at the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Residents pose for photos with flower displays set up in Central. (CALVIN  NG / CHINA DAILY)

A raft of national and HKSAR flags are displayed in Tsim Sha Tsui. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

Pedestrians walk under a raft of national and HKSAR flags. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Banners celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland are seen beside and above the entrance of a tunnel in Hong Kong. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)

A national flag is raised on a sailboat in Victoria Harbour. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

A giant birthday-cake-shaped sculpture is set up in Sha Tin Park as part of the Blossom Around Town celebration program organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)