This is where the government of Hong Kong and the Legislative Council will be located, and so, in the days to come, this is where you will feel the heartbeat of Hong Kong.

The first aerial survey of 2007 has now been completed and the images are being processed.

A total of 1,740 pictures have been taken, all reflecting the topographical changes that have taken place in Hong Kong since Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

As a result of this work the Lands Department will also publish more than one hundred types of maps.

Such is the rapidity with which change occurs in Hong Kong, these maps need to be updated every three months.

The changes over the past ten years are an indication of a more vibrant and prosperous society…one that is coming to terms with its political system which is unique in the entire world, and it shows the wisdom of the principle of "one country two systems".

This is a part of a plan for the next 10 years. It offers a glimpse of where Hong Kong is heading.

By the end of 2007, the underground railway system of Shenzhen City will be connected with the Guangzhou - Kowloon line.

By 2013, a high-speed railway linking Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou will be built. The line will then be incorporated into the national railway network.

In the not too distant future, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will be built, bringing Hong Kong even closer to the Pearl River Delta.

These are grand designs for Hong Kong, and all of them are within grasp. The bond between Hong Kong and the motherland is becoming stronger, in the process making it more attractive – really a genuine hope and glory of the nation.

Editor:Chen Ge