The flag of Hong Kong was adopted on July 1, 1997, when the sovereignty of Hong Kong was transferred from the United Kingdom to the People’s Republic of China. This marked the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The design of the flag was the result of a competition held in 1987, and it was officially unveiled in 1990. The flag was designed by architect Tao Ho.
The Hong Kong flag features a white, five-petal Bauhinia blakeana flower in the center of a red field. Each petal contains a red, five-pointed star with a red trace. The flag’s proportions are 2:3.
The Hong Kong flag embodies the principle of “one country, two systems,” under which Hong Kong maintains a separate legal and economic system from mainland China. The red and white colors signify harmony, unity, and the region’s distinct identity. The Bauhinia flower, a symbol of Hong Kong, highlights the region’s heritage and its unique position within the People’s Republic of China.
In summary, the flag of Hong Kong is a powerful symbol of the region’s identity, its connection to China, and the unique “one country, two systems” framework that defines its governance and cultural landscape.