When Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997 after more than 150 years of British rule, the Bauhinia flower was chosen as the symbol of the new Chinese special administrative region.

When Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997 after more than 150 years of British rule, the Bauhinia flower was chosen as the symbol of the new Chinese special administrative region.

Just 400 miles from Hong Kong, Taiwan offered the freedoms that many Hong Kongers were used to but saw disappearing in their hometown. Hong Kongers reflect on their new lives in Taiwan.

Hong Kong activists and budding pro-democracy politicians have flocked to Taiwan to observe its elections, aiming to bolster exchanges and galvanize an alliance against China's influence.