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.

People take photos holding a banner that reads "I love China" during an event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at a square near Shenzhen Children's Palace, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, Sept 21, 2019. [Photo/China Daily]

In the afternoon, 120 teenagers designed a 3-meter piece of printmaking artwork, with the theme of the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, at the Guanlan Printmaking Village. The village is located in the northern part of Shenzhen, and became famous for the preservation and development of printmaking.

Lee Chun, a 12-year-old participant from the Hong Kong SAR, told China Daily he joined the event to learn more about the country, especially about the history of its founding 70 years ago.

He said it was a rare chance, adding similar events will help Hong Kong’s young people better to seek more opportunities for the future across the boundary.

Without the nation’s support, Hong Kong might not have the current prosperity and achievements, he said. “I wish our country a happy birthday and hope it will maintain its prosperity.”

Teenagers participating in the event stand ready for a national flag-raising ceremony at a square near Shenzhen Children's Palace, Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, Sept 21, 2019. [Photo/China Daily]

Kit Chan, mother of a 14-year-old Hong Kong teenager, also attended the event to accompany her child.

Chan told China Daily she hopes the event will help increase her child’s recognition and affinity of the nation. “We must know where our roots are.”

Liu Xufei, an 11-year-old student studying in Shenzhen, said this event offers an opportunity to have face-to-face communications with peers from Hong Kong. She said she hopes such events will be held to increase cross-boundary friendships among youth.

Teenager participants perform Chinese-style foot drills during the event in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, Sept 21, 2019. [PHOTO/CHINA DAILY]

Teenager participants wave the national flags during the event in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, Sept 21, 2019. [Photo/China Daily]

Teenager participants wave the national flags during the event in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, Sept 21, 2019. [Photo/China Daily]

Teenagers from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen display the national flag during an event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at Shenzhen Children's Palace, Shenzhen, China, Sept 21, 2019. [Photo/China Daily]

Teenagers from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen display a 12-meter-wide national flag during an event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Shenzhen Children's Palace, Shenzhen, Sept 21, 2019. [Photo/China Daily]

Two student participants are ready to raise the national flag at the Shenzhen Children's Palace in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Sept 21, 2019. [Photo/China Daily]

Student participants from a Shenzhen primary school perform Chinese-style foot drills during the event in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Sept 21, 2019. [Photo/China Daily]