Every year on October 1st, the People’s Republic of China celebrates National Day (国庆节, Guóqìng Jié)—a holiday of profound national importance. It marks the founding of the modern Chinese state in 1949, and is one of the most significant political and patriotic holidays in the country.
Observed with grandeur across mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, the day not only commemorates the birth of a nation but also serves as a reflection of national pride, unity, and progress.
On October 1st, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong stood atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen) in Beijing, proclaiming the founding of the People’s Republic of China after the victory of the Communist Party in the Chinese Civil War. This moment ended years of internal conflict and foreign occupation, and marked a new era in Chinese history.
The first official celebration was held on October 1, 1950, and since then, the date has become a symbol of sovereignty and national rejuvenation.
China’s National Day kicks off a 7-day public holiday known as “Golden Week”. It was introduced in 1999 to stimulate domestic consumption and allow citizens time to travel and reunite with family. This year the Chinese government announced eight days holidays from 1st October 1, 2025 to October, 8, 2025.
During the Golden Week Government offices, all educational institutes and most businesses have holidays for one week. Hundreds of millions of people travel across the country, making it one of the largest human migrations in the world. The families arrange tours and travelling to other cities and arrange parties.
The national day of china reflect the pride of a nation that has risen from a century of humiliation to become a major global power. The holiday affirms the authority of the Communist Party of China (CPC), with official events reinforcing party leadership and national unity.
Although China is a vast country with many ethnic groups and languages, National Day reinforces a shared identity and a collective memory of nationhood.
Chinese government celebrate this day by flag rising ceremony, At dawn on October 1st, thousands gather in Tiananmen Square to witness the flag-raising ceremony performed by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The national anthem is played as the red flag with five golden stars is hoisted. Moreover, Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen and Xi’an host spectacular laser light shows, and decorated streets to mark the occasion. Now a days, China celebrate occasions by showing drone show.
The Chinese people also placed Red lanterns, national flags, and floral arrangements in public squares and buildings. Portraits of Mao Zedong and banners with patriotic slogans are alos displayed by the Chinese people.
The social media and electronic media also play a key role in the celebrations of this day.
Different TV channels and social media platforms air documentaries, patriotic films, and songs praising the country’s achievements, heroes, and Communist Party leadership.
This day describe the patriotism of Chinese.
BY ABDUL SALAM KHAN
Chinese Language Teacher in Confucius Institute NUML, Islamabad.
