China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region commemorated the 27th anniversary of its return to China on Monday with two stirring horse races named the Hong Kong Reunification Cup and the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club marked the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Monday at Sha Tin Racecourse by staging the Hong Kong Reunification Raceday. In addition to exciting races, attendees participated in on-course activities, including live performances.
With a variety of on-course activities, this twilight event attracted over 20,000 attendees, including 4,600 from the Chinese mainland, who came to experience the vibrant atmosphere and prosperity of Hong Kong.
"Horse racing is a quintessential activity that embodies the traditional and local culture of Hong Kong. Being here on July 1, the day marking Hong Kong's return to the motherland, holds deep meaning and adds to the overall atmosphere," said a tourist from the Chinese mainland.
Hong Kong celebrates 27th return anniversary with horse races
Wadi Jilou, a small town situated in southern Lebanon bordering Israel, bears witness to the devastating impact of the prolonged latest round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict since October 7, 2023.
Since the outbreak of the latest round of conflict, the Hezbollah has launched attacks on northern Israel, prompting retaliatory airstrikes and artillery shelling by the Israeli Defense Forces on targets in southern Lebanon. The clashes near the temporary Lebanon-Israel border continue unabated.
As one ventures south in the town, a mere 15 kilometers from the temporary border between Lebanon and Israel, the population dwindles, and the severity of damage to houses becomes increasingly apparent. At least half of the town's buildings lie abandoned, according to a China Media Group reporter who was in the town on Wednesday.
The southern region of Lebanon boasts breathtaking landscapes, yet economic development has been relatively stagnant due to the long-standing turmoil. Until now, the south has primarily relied on agriculture for sustenance.
The latest round of conflict, which has persisted for over nine months, has left the region in a state of severe devastation. Vast forests, orchards, rubber plantations, and farmland have been reduced to rubble by the relentless bombardment and incendiary attacks of the Israeli military.
Small town in war-torn southern Lebanon bears brunt of ongoing conflict
