Protests as Chinese president visits Hong Kong for handoff anniversary July 1, 2012 -- Updated 0808 GMT (1608 HKT) NEW: Anger has mounted over death of Li Wangyang, a high-profile Chinese dissident President Hu Jintao is in the territory for a three-day visit However, some Hong Kong residents are concerned about Beijing's intentions He will mark the handover's anniversary but also be the focus of protests Hong Kong (CNN) -- Hong Kong protesters took to the streets Sunday as Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the former British colony to mark the 15th anniversary of its return to Beijing rule. Hu also attended the inauguration of the Hong Kong chief executive amid growing discontent toward Beijing over its human rights records, among others. Crowds shouted various chants during the ceremony, including demands for an end to corruption and freedom for political prisoners. Small planes flew overhead with flags of China and Hong Kong as defiant protesters rallied on streets with police and giant barricades Protesters' anger has mounted over last month's death of Li Wangyang, a high-profile dissident who spent decades in prison for his support of the Tiananmen Square student rallies in 1989. Hong Kong has prospered since its last British governor, Chris Patten, bade the territory a tearful farewell on July 1, 1997. The Chinese territory has benefited from its position as a financial and commercial gateway, riding the mainland's spectacular economic boom of the past two decades. But the economic rewards are mixed with unease about Beijing's intentions for Hong Kong in the long term, including concerns about possible threats to freedom of speech and the rule of law. Some Hong Kong residents have expressed reservations about the effect mainland Chinese residents have on property prices and public services in the city. Nonetheless, Hong Kong has its own borders and immigration control even with China. It also enjoys a freedom of expression and demonstration to a degree unheard on the mainland. The Chinese president is scheduled to attend a string of other events over the next three days, including a fireworks display and a parachute jump by members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Hu also attended the inauguration of chief executive of Hong Kong, Leung Chun-ying, the Beijing-backed leader who took office Sunday. In addition to human rights issues and Li's death, protesters have demanded greater democracy and called for Beijing to stop intervening in local affairs. Li was found hanging in his hospital room in Hunan province on June 6. Local authorities said he had committed suicide, but friends of the deaf and blind labor rights activist have denied the claim. Hong Kong government officials have also questioned whether Li committed suicide. CNN's Andrew Stevens, Jethro Mullen, Tim Schwarz and Hilary Whiteman contributed to this report. June 29, 2012 -- Updated 1107 GMT (1907 HKT) While China's achievements in sea and in space are impressive, do they stir more than just national pride? June 20, 2012 -- Updated 1916 GMT (0316 HKT) China's space plans are ambitious. Should the U.S. be worried that China will overtake it in both space exploration and military capability in space? June 16, 2012 -- Updated 0622 GMT (1422 HKT) China has launched its first female astronaut into space as part of a three-person crew in a historic space mission. June 12, 2012 -- Updated 0653 GMT (1453 HKT) Some 6.8 million college students will graduate in China this summer, an exhilarating time for students and their families alike. June 21, 2012 -- Updated 0719 GMT (1519 HKT) A new report shows that for the first time, the Asia-Pacific region has become home to the highest number of millionaires in the world. June 4, 2012 -- Updated 0916 GMT (1716 HKT) CNN's Eunice Yoon reports on the changing of the guard in China's all-powerful Communist Party. June 4, 2012 -- Updated 0028 GMT (0828 HKT) CNN's Jaime FlorCruz discusses how China's latest crackdown on foreigners raises the specter of xenophobia. May 21, 2012 -- Updated 1457 GMT (2257 HKT) In his first TV interview since his dramatic escape from house arrest, Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng described how he and his wife were beaten periodically. May 3, 2012 -- Updated 0217 GMT (1017 HKT) Long before Chen Guangcheng became internationally known as a human rights crusader, his neighbors knew him as the man to go to when they had trouble with local authorities. June 4, 2012 -- Updated 1602 GMT (0002 HKT) It may be 23 years since Chinese soldiers gunned down unarmed protesters near Tiananmen Square but memories of that day remain raw.