An estimated 400,000 people took to the streets of Hong Kong yesterday (July 1) for the annual demonstration to mark the British handing of control of the city to China 15 years ago.

The mass protest came as Chinese President Hu Jintao swore in Leung Chun-ying as the city’s new top official, a man who many believe is unsuitable for the job. 

Protesters held placards, and chanted that Leung should step down, as they demonstrated against what they believe to be the increasing influence of China in Hong Kong. 

The protest came at the end of the Chinese president's three-day visit which also saw individuals taking a stand against the leader. As Hu visited a cruise-terminal construction site on Saturday, a local reporter shouted at him, from inside a press area, asking if Beijing knew that Hong Kong people desired justice over the 1989 massacre of protesters in Tiananmen Square. In another incident a protester interupted the presidents speech at the convention centre demanding an end to one-party dictatorship in China. 

The annual march was at its biggest this year due to the visit from China's leader, and sparked an increased sense of outrage from the 7million strong population. 

Photographs via Facebook @huaizhao @ptreporter and  @LetaHong.