China's National Day: History, Celebrations, and the Golden Week

Every year on October 1, China celebrates National Day (国庆节, Guóqìng Jié) — the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. In 2026 the country marks its 77th National Day, and the holiday expands into 'Golden Week,' a seven-day break when hundreds of millions of people travel, celebrate, and reflect on the nation's modern history.

What Is China's National Day?

National Day is China's most patriotic public holiday, held on October 1 each year. It commemorates the moment on October 1, 1949, when Mao Zedong stood atop Tiananmen Gate and declared the founding of the People's Republic of China. The day opens a week-long public holiday known as Golden Week (黄金周, Huángjīn Zhōu), during which government offices, schools, and many businesses close.

The Founding Moment: October 1, 1949

At 3:00 p.m. on October 1, 1949, the founding ceremony (开国大典, Kāiguó Dàdiǎn) took place in Tiananmen Square. Chairman Mao Zedong pressed a button to raise the first five-star red flag, and a crowd of some 300,000 people gathered to witness the proclamation. The square had been expanded and remodeled in the months before — a symbol of the new nation's ambitions.

Why 'Golden Week'?

In 1999, China introduced the 'golden week' holiday system, extending National Day into a seven-day break from October 1 to 7. It was designed to boost domestic tourism and consumption — and it worked. Each year, Golden Week triggers one of the largest human migrations on Earth, as hundreds of millions of travelers crisscross the country to visit family and sightsee.

How China Celebrates

• Flag-raising ceremony (升旗仪式): the day begins with a solemn flag-raising at Tiananmen Square at sunrise, drawing huge crowds and broadcast nationwide.
• Military parades (阅兵): grand parades are staged in Tiananmen Square in milestone years — most recently the 70th anniversary in 2019.
• Red decorations: streets, buildings, and shops are draped in red flags, banners, and lanterns; the five-star red flag (五星红旗) is everywhere.
• National Day gala & fireworks: the state hosts a televised gala and firework displays, while cities hold their own celebrations.
• 'National Day films' (国庆档): cinemas release big-budget patriotic and blockbuster films, making it one of the year's biggest movie seasons.
• Travel & family reunions: Golden Week is prime time for tourism and for returning home to family.
• 'I Love You, China' (我爱你中国): an iconic patriotic song played and sung throughout the holiday.

The Flag-Raising Ceremony at Tiananmen

The ceremonial flag-raising at Tiananmen Square is the spiritual centerpiece of National Day. The national flag is raised exactly at sunrise, timed to the moment the sun's upper edge appears on the horizon. On October 1, crowds arrive hours early, and the event is broadcast live across the country — a ritual that symbolizes national pride and unity.

Travel During Golden Week

Golden Week is the busiest travel period in China. Major attractions, trains, and airports fill up fast, and hotel prices spike. If you visit during this time, plan carefully:

• Book train tickets and hotels weeks in advance — they sell out quickly.
• Expect huge crowds at landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and West Lake.
• Visit smaller cities or less-famous sites for a calmer experience.
• Note that a few weekend days are often designated as working days (调休) to balance the long break.
• Holidays can be a great time to experience traditional crafts, temple fairs, and city light displays.

Key Chinese Phrases for National Day

Frequently Asked Questions