The hand-back took place in the Convention Centre with President Jiang Zemin and other high PRC dignitaries representing China, and Prince Charles present in Royal Navy uniform to witness the relinquishment of what had often been described as "the richest jewel in the British Crown".

The main ceremonies took place on the night of 30 June 1997, and as the clock struck midnight the Hong Kong SAR came into being under its Chief Executive, Shanghai-born former shipping magnate, Tung Chee Hwa.
The Golden Bauhinia is a gift from the people of the PRC to mark the widespread joy of the Chinese at the return of the territory to the Motherland after 156 years. Other gifts to commemorate the historic occasion were sent by each of China's provinces, autonomous regions and other territories.
Near the Golden Bauhinia stands the Reunification Monument bearing inscriptions of President Jiang Zemin's calligraphy. The white ring around the pinnacle denotes the return of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China, and the 50 smaller rings symbolise that Hong Kong's way of life will remain unchanged for 50 years from mid-1997.
Take the MTR to Wan Chai Station, leaving from the A1 Exit. Walk across the footbridge, head right and through the lobby of Central Plaza, continue on across the connecting overhead walkway, then descend to ground level. Head towards the waterfront ahead, and you will find the statue and monument on the left.