Chinese President Jiang Zemin flew into Hong Kong today to mark the fifth year of its return to Chinese rule as security forces kept a close watch on hundreds of protesters who accused the government of mismanaging the economy and stifling human rights.
Sniffer dogs and police frogmen scoured areas around the Hong Kong Convention Center, the venue for tomorrow's celebrations, and police sealed part of the area along the famous Victoria Harbour.
Nearly 100 critics of Beijing have been barred from entering Hong Kong in the last week to make speeches in the territory or add their voices to expected demonstrations.
Local protesters whose permits have been approved by police were confined to small areas well away from the view of China's leader and dignitaries who will be attending the ceremony.
The celebrations are expected to be modest and low-key, a reflection of the falling economic fortunes of the territory of 6.7 million people.
Apart from a variety show starring local cultural groups and a fireworks display paid for by a private sponsor, there will be few signs of merrymaking.
Even the pro-Beijing Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, which rallied together 2,500 people on Sunday morning to celebrate the anniversary with traditional lion and dragon dances, found some people were not in the mood to party.
"Hong Kong isn't really doing well with the downturn. The government should try to create jobs," a father carrying his toddler told a local television station.