On June 25, 1997, Hong Kong was officially handed back to China after 156 years of British colonial rule. The handover was a significant moment in world history, marking the end of British imperialism and the beginning of Chinese sovereignty over the territory. The one country, two systems agreement promised Hong Kong autonomy and its way of life, though this system has been under increasing pressure in the years since. The event was celebrated with grand ceremonies and high-profile dignitaries. The handover remains a symbol of the shifting global power dynamics of the late 20th century.