Adopted in 1997; The flag of Hong Kong is red with a stylized, white, five-petal Bauhinia flower in the center. Each petal contains a small, red, five-pointed star in its middle. The current red color is the same as that on the Chinese flag and represents the motherland. The fragrant Bauhinia - developed in Hong Kong the late 19th century - has come to symbolize the region. The five stars echo those on the flag of China.