This year marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, which means it's also the 25th year since Zou Hanru, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily's HK edition, began to live and work in the city.

"1997 is the watershed year both for me and for Hong Kong," Zou said during a China Daily program livestreamed to celebrate Hong Kong's return on Wednesday night.

That year, he left Beijing for Hong Kong as part of a taskforce to prepare for the launch of China Daily's Hong Kong operations. That same year, Hong Kong returned to China after more than 150 years under British rule.

As a witness to history, Zou said it was unforgettable to see the lowering of the British Union Jack and the hoisting of the Chinese flag. All symbols of Britain like its flags and royal emblems were replaced by their equivalents from China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Zou's first impression of the city is "prosperous", "crowded" and "expensive" and he said Hong Kong's economy has never stopped growing.

As the anniversary ceremony is just around the corner, what's worth looking out for this year? Check out the video to hear Zou's stories and his thoughts on the 25th anniversary celebrations.