Many Hong Kongers may witness history being made on June 30 by standing for hours in a sweaty crowd or gathering round a flickering television in a cramped apartment.
But while Mr and Mrs Average languish in the throng or linger at home the moneyed classes will mark the change of sovereignty far more extravagantly.
Just how lavish will celebrations be in the capital of capitalism? The South China Morning Post has taken a peek at what some of the territory's tycoons and tai-tais will be paying for an exclusive party, a restaurant meal and a hotel suite overlooking the harbour.
Private parties will be two a penny next week, but few will be like the ones thrown by Henry Tang Ying-yen in the Furama Hotel's ballroom on June 30 and July 1.
The SAR Executive Councillor and textile magnate has invited the same 300 of his closest friends to both soirees.
They are the only private parties being staged by professional party organiser Roger Bushby-Sansom, who is also designing the official banquets for the Convention and Exhibition Centre and the two events at the Regent Hotel.