Teenagers from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Saturday sent their blessings to people all across the country, ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on Oct 1.

A national flag-raising and singing of the national anthem by about 260 young people was the high point of a series of themed events in Shenzhen.

The gathering was held in the Shenzhen Children's Palace in the heart of the city. The majority of the students, 230, came from Shenzhen. Thirty-two teenagers from Hong Kong were also there.

Teenagers from both the Hong Kong SAR and Shenzhen watch a flag-raising ceremony at a square outside Shenzhen Children's Palace, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, Sept 21, 2019. [Photo/China Daily]

Following the ceremony, the group displayed a 12-meter-wide national flag when singing the renowned patriotic song - Ode to the Motherland. They also delivered a drum performance and a showcase of Chinese-style foot drills.

All were dressed in various uniforms despite the sweltering heat. The event drew a large number of spectators, who seated themselves in the square to watch.

Around noon, the kids watched a film at the dome theater of the Children’s Palace. The ones from Hong Kong were treated to a light show at the landmark Civic Center Square.