The United Zhejiang Residents Associations

Following Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland have become increasingly close. As a bridge for communication between the two regions, hometown associations have grown in significance and influence. To strengthen ties and cooperation among Zhejiang hometown associations,The United Zhejiang Residents Associations, commonly referred to as the “Zhejiang Association,” was officially registered and established in November 1998.

The Zhejiang Association has consistently attracted outstanding Zhejiang talents to its council. Mr. Tung Chee-hwa and Ms. Carrie Lam serve as honorary patrons. The founding president was Dr. Lee Tat-sum, a renowned Zhejiang-born social activist in Hong Kong. Successive presidents include Mr. Gu Guohua (deceased), Mr. Lu Zengyong (deceased), Mr. Che Yueqiao (deceased), Mr. Li Delin, Mr. Zhan Yaoliang, and Mr. Chen Zhongni. The current president is Mr. Zhan Hongliang.

With strong support from the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee and Government, and through the collective efforts of past presidents, council members, and affiliated hometown associations, the Zhejiang Association has flourished, earning a growing reputation. It is a comprehensive federation encompassing all Zhejiang-based hometown associations at the provincial, city, and county levels, including 12 city-level associations (Ningbo, Yonggang, Shaoxing, Wenzhou, Huzhou, Zhoushan, Taizhou, Jiaxing, Quzhou, Jinhua, and Lishui), 90 county-level associations, Zhejiang Xingye Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Youth Association in Hong Kong, and Fuchun Co., Ltd. The Zhejiang Association has 11 internal committees (Secretariat, Finance, FinTech and Greater Bay Area Development, Social Affairs Volunteer Group, Business and Professional Affairs, Legal, Public Relations and Communications, Women’s Committee, Youth Committee, Zhejiang Youth Association, and Culture and Arts), each led by a dedicated chairperson, working collaboratively and efficiently. As one of the five most influential hometown associations in Hong Kong, the Zhejiang Association maintains close ties with the Zhejiang community in Hong Kong.

Guided by the principles of “continuing the legacy, promoting excellence” and “unity, pragmatism, and robust growth,” the Zhejiang Association upholds its founding mission of “patriotism, love for Hong Kong, fostering hometown ties, serving the community, and acting as a bridge between Zhejiang and Hong Kong.” It also shoulders the important social responsibility of supporting the HKSAR government’s lawful governance, contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. Over the past 27 years, the association has coordinated the efforts of its affiliated groups, united the Zhejiang community, and amplified their collective voice. It has built a highly capable core membership, established a reliable liaison team, and developed a practical digital network. During key social events, hundreds of Zhejiang members actively participate, playing a pivotal role in Hong Kong’s social affairs.

The Zhejiang Association actively engages with mainland China, particularly Zhejiang Province. In 2016, it exclusively hosted the “Beautiful Zhejiang, Appreciating Hong Kong” carnival at Victoria Park, a three-day event themed around Zhejiang culture. In June 2023, 2024, and 2025, it participated in the “Hometown Associations Marketplace Carnival” at Victoria Park for three consecutive years. These events showcased Zhejiang’s diversity to Hong Kong citizens, enhancing their understanding of Zhejiang’s culture and development while providing a platform for Zhejiang natives to invest in their hometown, thus fostering Zhejiang-Hong Kong exchanges.

As a key force in maintaining Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, the Zhejiang Association was among the first to establish a volunteer group. Over the years, its volunteers have actively participated in social affairs, served disadvantaged groups, and promoted positive energy in Hong Kong society while supporting patriotic and pro-Hong Kong initiatives, all in pursuit of altruism and the city’s stability.

In 2021, the Zhejiang Association established 10 regional service centers across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. In 2023, it formed a Regional Care Team to strengthen grassroots engagement, promote harmony, and serve local communities. The association encourages Zhejiang youth to carry forward the patriotic and community-focused traditions of their predecessors, reflecting the strong cohesion of its multi-generational membership and ensuring the continuation of its social mission.

The Zhejiang Association places great emphasis on youth development. It actively nurtures Zhejiang youth by organizing economic and cultural activities, providing platforms for learning and exchange, and encouraging them to embody Zhejiang’s spirit of “standing at the forefront and striving forward” to contribute to society. Additionally, it organizes Hong Kong youth to visit Zhejiang for exchanges, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the motherland’s development. In 2018, it held the “Youth Soaring: 2018 Hong Kong Youth Zhejiang Tour,” bringing 1,000 Hong Kong youths to 11 Zhejiang cities for learning and exchange. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, it organized the “Together for the Asian Games, Toward the Future: Hong Kong and Macau Youth Zhejiang Tour,” “United in Heart for National Day, Striving for the Future,” and “Innovation and Integration, Building the Future: Hong Kong and Macau Youth Zhejiang Tour,” respectively. Each year, 1,000 Hong Kong and Macau youths visited Zhejiang to experience its rapid transformation and innovative technologies. By leveraging the research strengths of Hong Kong and Macau universities and Zhejiang’s innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem, these initiatives facilitate the transformation of outstanding research into new productive forces, promote the development of a Zhejiang-Hong Kong-Macau innovation consortium, and deepen collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship. These efforts unite and guide high-caliber youth from Hong Kong and Macau to grow, excel, and take on responsibilities in contributing to national development.