Painted in gold, a giant sculpture of a blooming Bauhinia overlooks the Victoria Harbor outside the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, where the Handover of Hong Kong in 1997 - the most historical moment of the city took place. A tourist attraction the golden statue has become maybe because of its sumptuous appearance and unusual size, but to the majority of Hong Kong citizens, it indeed evokes a complex set of feelings from Hong Kong citizens towards the city’s future.

How has Bauhinia Blakeana become the emblem of Hong Kong ever since 1965? Despite its origin still being mysterious, the crimson-purple flower was first discovered by a French Missionary at Pokfulam during the early colonial era and named after Sir Henry Blake who was the Governor of the city at the time. Everyone thought the flower was native to the city, but it is in fact a hybrid of two floral species, which reflects the way in which Hong Kong itself originated – the city where East meets West. No wonder it was selected to be the flower emblem and even featured in the Hong Kong flag.

But to the surprise of many, the Bauhinia is actually sterile, meaning it cannot self-fertilize and can only be reproduced through artificial means. The flower cannot blossom without proper care - doesn’t it bring a contrasting idea though to the symbolism of the Golden Bauhinia: maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong? Hong Kong had everything the citizens were proud of but they were viewing the city with mixed feelings, especially when the red Bauhinia flag was rising whilst the blue ensign flag lowered on the stormy night of June 30, 1997.

On the night, every household had their television on trying to witness the emotional ceremony of the Handover through live broadcasting. Hearing the British National Anthem for the last time, seeing Chinese army vehicles entering the territory, watching Prince Charles and Chris Patten, the last Governor of Hong Kong sail away from the city – these iconic moments, marked the end of the 156-year British ruling, only left the citizens with a great deal of uncertainties.

Many moved to the countries they desired but many decided to stay as they still have great hopes for the city. 50 Year Unchanged granted from One Country, Two Systems is just in its midway, can the Golden Bauhinia still cast its spell on the future of Hong Kong?