At sunrise on October 1, Beijing’s iconic Tiananmen Square transformed into a scene of quiet reverence as officials and citizens gathered for the 76th National Day flag-raising ceremony. Under a pastel dawn sky, the strains of the national anthem echoed, signaling a moment of unity across the Chinese mainland.
The Five-Starred Red Flag ascended gracefully, its bold colors vivid against the morning light. Among the crowd, young global citizens and local residents alike recorded the moment on smartphones, sharing clips and messages of hope on social media under tags like #NationalDay2023 and #Tiananmen.
For many in attendance, the ritual is more than a tradition — it’s a chapter in a larger story of transformation. From rapid urban development to booming tech hubs, the Chinese mainland’s journey over 76 years has reshaped both its cities and its global footprint. Today’s ceremony serves as a springboard for conversations on progress, sustainability, and the role of young changemakers in shaping the next era.
As the flag reached its peak, applause rippled through the square. Citizens exchanged smiles and blessings, reflecting on shared aspirations for peace and prosperity. Against the backdrop of a new day, the ceremony captured a timeless moment: a nation’s pride rising with the sun, and a global audience tuning in for inspiration.
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China holds National Day flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square
cgtn.com
