President Hu attends the gala show for 15th return anniversary in HK on June 30. [Photo by Xinhua]

HONG KONG -- Accompanied by outgoing Hong Kong Chief Executive Tsang Yam-kuen and other high-ranking officials, Chinese President Hu Jintao smilingly walked into the theater at the waterfront Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre amid warm applause, where a grand gala marking the 15th anniversary of the territory's return to China was on stage on Saturday night.

The theater was bathed in a festive atmosphere throughout the 110-minute-long "joyful night" that brought together six masters of the ceremonies, fancy pop stars and artists from Hong Kong and the mainland, such as Jacky Cheung, Joey Yung, Hacken Lee, duo Twins, Lang Lang, Song Zuying, among others, offering an amazing feast for the eyes and ears.

Some famous art troupes like the China National Acrobatic Troupe, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Hong Kong Dance Company, also gave splendid visual and acoustic performances.

The show, consisted of five parts, featured the themes of patriotism, Hong Kong's prosperity, world attention, innovation, and bright future. Each scene was designed to showcase the tremendous achievements made over the past 15 years since Hong Kong's handover to China from Britain in 1997, and the unique beauty and glamor of the "Pearl of the Orient" -- the apple of the eye of the motherland.

The show went with a bang which culminated when masters of the show invited the president to step onto the stage. Hu sang the song Ode to the Motherland together with the performers.

With all audience standing up singing in chorus, cheering and applauding, the event was perfectly drawn to the end.

Outside, the skyscrapers and landmarks that lie on both sides of the renowned Victoria Harbor were illuminated in a vibrant light show.

Hu arrived here Friday to attend celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule and the swearing- in of the new government of the special administrative region.