China National Day Celebration in Golden Week of October

One of the most widely spread Chinese National Day celebration is hanging lanterns, Chinese national flags and red cloths with slogans “Happy Chinese National Day” or something like that when the Oct.1st National Day is approaching. This is not only done by central and regional government, but also popular among common Chinese people, business owners, scenic spots and schools, etc. At some public squares and parks, potted landscapes are also set to add happy festival atmosphere. Usually, the decorations at Tian'anmen Square, the political center of China, is the grandest, using lots of flowers. The portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong on the Tian’anmen Tower is also changed to a new one before the National Day.  
 

When celebrating the Chinese National Day, it always reminds Chinese people of their heroes who sacrificed their lives to the foundation of the People’s Republic of China. So they hold various activities to express their gratefulness and mourning to their heroes. Among them, one of the most solemn national celebrations in China is that China’s state leaders present flower baskets at the Monument to the People's Heroes on Tian’anmen Square the day before. 
 

Due to the large-scale China National Day celebration, people are given a 7-day holiday from Oct.1st to 7th, making it one of the two longest holidays in China only after the Chinese New Year’s holiday. Early October with pleasant weather and colorful autumn scenery is also the best time to travel, so many people go out of their homes to tour around, bringing overwhelming profits to the tourism industry, hence the week-long holiday is also called “Golden Week”.   

Actually, the flag-raising ceremony is held every day at Tian’anmen Square since the national flag of People’s Republic of China was first raised there on October 1st, 1949. But Chinese people think it more meaningful to watch the flag-raising ceremony right on the Chinese National Day. Some people even travel far from their homes to the Tian’anmen Square to watch it. The flag-raising ceremony on that day is held at 06:10 in accordance with the sunrise. If you are interested in it, you may get there early to possess a good location. 

 See also: Time for Flag-Raising Ceremony at Tiananmen Square
 

5. Military Parade at Tian’anmen Square 

This is one of the most eye-catching China independence day celebration, but not held every year. Various troops gather at Beijing and pass by the Tian’anmen Square in neat square formations, so impressive. The most advanced weapon units and aircrafts are also showed on the parade. All these are to prove that the army is capable to protect the country and its people. It is usually held in the morning and lasts for about an hour. The parade is on live broadcast from the very beginning to the end on TV and online.  

 See also: China National Day Parade, on Tiananmen Square Beijing
 

6. Floats Parade at Tian’anmen Square 

With more attendants from all walks of life in China, this China October 1 celebration is even grander than the Military Parade. These floats are in various themes with creative and characteristic designs, to show the colorful life of Chinese people and fast develop of the country. The floats parade is right after the Military Parade on Tian’anmen Square, also lasting for about an hour or so.
 

This is a Chinese National Day celebration held by Chinese State Council, the highest administrative department in China. On the eve of Chinese National Day, Chinese State Council calls together representatives of different fields, different ethnic groups, different regions and those who have done great contributions to the country in the past year for a big dinner. It is usually held at the Banquet Hall of Great Hall of the People. Before the dinner, the then chairman often give an important speech, to wish for the prosperity of the country. Excellent performances are given during the dinner. 
 

At the night of the Chinese National Day, a grand gala is usually given on Tiananmen Square together with massive fireworks to celebrate the anniversary of the PRC. This might be the climax of China National Day celebration, somehow like a carnival. The attendants include not only professional singers and dancers, but also common people. Actually, various galas and art performances are organized around the Chinese National Day. You may see them on TV, in a park, or even by the roadside.