Twenty-two years after what some call the Tiananmen massacre, tourists watch the flag-raising ceremony at the scene of the 1989 crackdown.                              

The crackdown remains a taboo subject in mainland China, as human rights activism is barely tolerated and activists are often criminalised.

 “We haven’t seen any progress in democracy or human rights." Lee Cheuk-Yan, a Hong Kong-based activist says. 

"When our Chinese compatriots cannot have a voice inside China, we become their voice.” 

In Hong Kong, large crowds are expected to gather for a candlelit vigil to remember the victims of Tiananmen. 

Organisers hope this year will draw greater numbers, in response to China's hardening position against dissent. 

Al Jazeera's Rob McBride reports from Hong Kong, China.