President Xi Jinping left Hong Kong on Friday afternoon after a landmark visit during which he delivered a key speech on the city and took part in festivities marking the 25th anniversary of the SAR and the inauguration of the new administration led by Chief Executive John Lee.

President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan boarded an express rail train at West Kowloon Station at around 1pm.

A group of local and mainland officials, including Lee, saw them off.

Also on hand were a group of well-wishers and members of a student choir, singing songs about the motherland.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Lee said the president's two-day visit showed the importance he attaches to the SAR, and the trip brought Hong Kong joy, care and motivation.

The chief executive said President Xi has high hopes for the city's future development, and that he will lead the new administration to try to fulfil Xi's wishes.

"President Xi has provided an important direction for the new SAR administration's work, showing that the central government will fully support the new SAR administration to govern according to the law, giving the new government's a boost of confidence and motivation," he said.

Lee added his new administration will try its best to live up to the president's as well as the people's expectations.

The CE added that President Xi's declaration that One Country, Two Systems is a good system will also strengthen people's confidence in the city's prospects.