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National Day Of The People’s Republic Of China: Meaning, Facts and 5+ Popular Activities

National Day of the People's Republic of China

China recently held its 74th National Day celebration. On this holiday, which honors the People’s Republic of China’s founding in 1949, people gather to celebrate the rich history and culture of their nation. National Day Of The People’s Republic Of China not only highlights modern advancements and achievements but also brings people together. 

Let’s examine this historical event’s significance and some intriguing, possibly unknown facts. Furthermore, we highlight a few iconic events during National Day celebrations in major Chinese cities.

The Meaning of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China

Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders at Tiananmen Square on October 1, 1949. Image: Wikimedia Commons

October 1st is the memorial day for the founding of the People’s Republic of China. But the fun fact is that the PRC was actually founded on September 21st 1949. The grand ceremony was held at Tiananmen Square on October 1st 1949 before a crowd of people was to celebrate the founding of the Central People’s Government of the brand-new country. However, PRC was actually founded on September 21st, 1949.

This signalled the end of a protracted and savage civil war between the Chinese government and the Mao-led Chinese Communist Party. Chinese National Day was celebrated annually from 1950 to 1959 with large-scale military parades and large-scale rallies. The State Council and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) made the decision to streamline the festivities in 1960. 

National holidays have great cultural significance as well as serving as a symbol of independent states and the modern political order.

How do the Chinese Celebrate the National Day of the People’s Republic of China?

China’s National Day is observed with numerous government-organized festivals throughout Hong Kong, Macau, and the country’s mainland. The celebration of the nation’s freedom starts with a flag-raising ceremony, parade, and memorial service, and it concludes with an evening of musical entertainment and fireworks. There are also cultural and athletic events held there.

Festive, patriotic decorations adorn public spaces. Public displays of portraits of state leaders, such as Mao Zedong, are common. This significant holiday is also celebrated by a large number of Chinese. 

On the Chinese National Day, popular events include:

1. National Flag-raising ceremony

Tiananmen Square hosted the National Day flag-raising ceremony at six in the morning. The national flag guards marched from the Tiananmen Gate Tower during this significant ceremony.

National Day Of The People’s Republic Of China. Image: Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin

2. Anniversary activities

National Day Of The People’s Republic Of China. Image: Xinhua/Yue Yuewei

Communist leaders also pay tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives defending China’s independence by bringing flowers to the People’s Heroes monument on this holiday.

3. China National Day Helicopter Flag

National Day Of The People’s Republic Of China

On October 1, 2023, to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China’s founding, helicopters will fly the Chinese national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 

3. China National Day Evening Gala event

Attendees of the National Day Evening Gala can take part in songs and dances that celebrate the nation’s progress and highlight themes such as love for one’s motherland. One could argue that the 70th gala night event in 2019 was the most extravagant and sizable one to be held in the previous four years.

4. Traveling Activities

People across the country enjoy themselves in various ways on the first day of the National Day holiday. (Photo by Qiu Ruquan/Xinhua)

One of the favorite activities of people across China to celebrate National Day is traveling and visiting family. This can be considered the peak tourist destination of mainland China.

5. Shopping Activities

During the National Day holiday, Wukesong Huaxi LIVE Shopping Mall in Beijing was filled with citizens and tourists on October 6, 2022. Image: VCG

The period from October 1 to October 7, called The Golden Week, when National Day was observed, is known as the nation’s peak consumption period. Many companies take advantage of the holiday by holding various promotional events, which allows customers to purchase many items at lower prices than usual.

Impressive Events and Activities in the National Day of the People’s Republic of China in 2023

  1. Hong Kong Firework

To celebrate the 74th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong’s annual National Day Fireworks display finally returns to Victoria Harbour after five long years. The fireworks display will be divided into eight scenes that convey wishes of prosperity and a brighter future for Hong Kong.

  1. “Bless the Motherland” Flower Basket
[Photo/VCG]
  1. Drone light shows 
Image: www.thestandard.com.hk

On Saturday, September 30, Shenzhen and Hong Kong collaborated to showcase drone light shows for the first time. To honor National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, approximately 1,200 drones in each city lit up the night sky over Victoria and OCT Harbors.

Under the full moon, the drones put on a light show that supported the striking skylines of Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The show displayed blooming osmanthus flowers, which were intended to convey well wishes for family reunions. A scene from the Chinese myth “Chang’e Flies to the Moon” was shown as well by the drones.

The drone formation also featured the Tiananmen Rostrum, which was festooned with enormous red lanterns, Shenzhen and Hong Kong landmarks, and a map of China adorned with flowers.

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  1.  Mid-Autumn Festival
Image: Pone Pluck/Getty Images

After the National Day of the People’s Republic of China, people will celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival from October 2 to October 8 next week. The week-long celebration honors the Harvest Festival and has roots in the Zhou and Tang Dynasties, which ruled over 3000 years ago.

Bottom Lines

💡 How well do you know about the National Day of the People’s Republic of China? The celebration will be more meaningful and thrilling with the trivia quiz. Let’s create a China National Day quiz with AhaSlides free templates and gather your friends to explore one of the biggest events in China.

More tips and advice about events? Pick an event that you’re concerned with, and we’ll give you a helping hand!

FAQs

What is the National Day of China, October 1 to 7?

The longest holiday in the People’s Republic of China is called Golden Week, and it will take place from October 1–7, 2023. When people have a week off to spend with family and travel, Golden Week is the busiest time of year for tourism in China.

Why do we celebrate the National Day of China?

The People’s Republic of China was founded on October 1st, 1949, and this celebration honors that date. In Tiananmen Square, Mao Zedong raised China’s first Communist national flag during an official victory ceremony that day. Furthermore, it is significant for tourism and the economy.

What Chinese holiday is October 10?

The 10th of October is the official national holiday of the People’s Republic of China, also known as Double Ten Day or Double Tenth Day. It is observed annually. 

Ref: China National Day

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