Shenzhen plans a host of events to celebrate the Hong Kong handover, the mayor announced yesterday.
A midnight fireworks display on June 30 would be the star attraction, Li Zibin said.
He said the city had been spending many hours preparing for the change of sovereignty, the benefits of which would be felt on both sides of the border. The Shenzhen Special Economic Zone first drew up plans for the fireworks display last September.
Other celebrations include a flower show, a photographic exhibition and a big variety show on July 1.
While the mayor spoke enthusiastically about the celebration plans, he was evasive about problems plaguing Shenzhen, including an increase in cross-border crime.
But he said police had rounded up more than 2,000 drifters, beggars and prostitutes who were not authorised to live in the zone, to improve the city's appearance.
Shenzhen is notorious for its professional beggars and 'flower girls'.