China’s National Day: when, why and how it is celebrated
I was in Beijing just in time to witness China’s National Day being celebrated in the country’s capital. China’s National Day is celebrated on October 1, commemorating the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
At the end of World War II, a civil war broke out in China between the Chinese Nationalist Party (Koumintang) and the Chinese Communist Party to control power. The war ended in 1949 with the victory of the Chinese Communist Party, thus founding the People’s Republic of China.
In return, the Chinese Nationalist Party was defeated and only managed to maintain control of the island of Taiwain and some coastal islands in Fujian province.
How is China’s National Day celebrated?
1. One week holidays
The National Day of China, along with Chinese New Year, are the two most important holidays in China. These are the Golden Weeks, during which both celebrations typically offer a week of vacation.
During this period, one of the largest human migrations in the world takes place, as many Chinese take advantage of the free week to return to their families’ homes or to travel. As a Chinese friend once said: “If you don’t travel during these dates, you might regret it, but if you do travel, you’re sure to regret it.” This refers to the massive traffic jams you might encounter, as well as the overcrowding at the most touristy places. So keep that in mind!
2. Celebration in Tiananmen Square
China’s National Day is mainly celebrated in Beijing, at the famous Tiananmen Square. The same place where in 1949 Mao Zedong himself raised China’s first communist national flag in front of 300,000 soldiers and many other people who came to the square.
The square is completely decorated with flowers, Chinese flags, decorations for the occasion and portraits of popular leaders like Mao Zedong are displayed. You can witness the ceremony of raising and lowering the national flag at sunrise or sunset. The ceremony is quite curious, especially the amount of Chinese people in one place.
3. Fireworks and light shows
Also, across China, to commemorate National Day, light shows are often held, both with drones and on skyscrapers, as well as fireworks. Both of these displays are becoming more stunning and spectacular each year. In large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing they are usually very worthwhile.
Additionally, on specific anniversaries, military parades are organized. Here is a link where you can watch a spectacular parade for the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
4. Symbols of China’s National Day
If you visit China during these dates, you will see that the streets, squares, shops, and public spaces are filled with vibrant colors. However, two colors are particularly dominant in the National Day celebrations, both in decorations and fireworks: red and yellow.
Red symbolizes the revolution and the unity of the Chinese people, while yellow is associated with the Chinese empire and national greatness. The national flag of China, with its five stars (representing the Communist Party and the four social classes of society) and red field, is also omnipresent during the festivities.
Next Destination: Trip from Beijing to Kunming
There was nothing else to highlight. Thus, I ended up spending my days in Beijing wandering the streets and seeing temples, of which the Temple of Confuncio is worth a visit.
After two days I took off back to Kunming. This time I have chosen to travel by plane from Beijing to Kunming. The trip from Beijing to Kunming usually costs about 100 euros and it usually takes two hours of flight. It crosses China from one end to the other.
I was without a job, without a flat and without friends (everyone I had met before in Kunming had either returned home or gone to different destinations). I was preparing to start from scratch again, but, as they say, with enthusiasm, everything is possible.
Who would have told me at that time, that I would stay in China working for many years.If you are thinking about traveling to China you can take a look at our list of China Travel Tips and the 5 things that impacted me the most about China.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.
– Lao-tsé –
