And I think the impression gained was that British rule was (definitely in the past tense) seen to be ambivalent (banking system, stability, financial growth) bordering on affection; but frowning at the Opium trade (Opium, made from the sap of poppies, is the raw material for morphine and heroin) and the resulting Opium War to enforce it.
Also visible in the exhibits was anger at the Japanese - the military rule during WW2 was a disaster, which still sours relations between the two countries today.
In 1997 Hong Kong became a "Special Administration Region" of China - the policy is "One country, Two systems" - can you imagine that happening in the UK? It's a good example of Chinese pragmaticness - they didn't want to kill the Golden Goose of trade and financial services in Hong Kong by introducing Communist culture into the terrority.
A side exhibition displayed propaganda posters from the 50s and 60s. The poster below is titled 'The Spirit of Daqing' and shows "Iron Man" Wang Jinxi in suitable heroic pose:
