China’s National Day: History and Significance

China’s National Day, celebrated every year on October 1, symbolises the existence, struggle and rebirth of the Chinese nation. On October 1, 1949, at Tiananmen Square, Mao Zedong declared: “The People’s Republic of China has been established from today.”

The founding of the People’s Republic of China, or “New China”, ended thousands of years of feudal rule and opened a new era. The day remains a symbol of independence, sovereignty and national pride for the Chinese people.

Before 1949, China had endured nearly a century of foreign aggression, civil war and feudal exploitation. Under the leadership of Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China, the country was freed from that suffering and began the revival of its civilisation. On December 2, 1949, the Central People’s Government Council declared October 1 National Day. The council remained China’s highest state power body until the 1954 Constitution established the National People’s Congress and the State Council.

National Day reflects China’s state structure, political system and historical experience. It marks victory over imperialist forces, national unity and the beginning of a new socialist system. Every year, Chinese people remember the sacrifices of their ancestors and draw inspiration for the future.

The way National Day is celebrated has changed considerably over time. From 1950 to 1959, large military parades were held annually. In 1960, military parades were replaced by large public gatherings and cultural programmes under the policy of “building the country through hard work”. This continued until 1970. From 1971 to 1983, Beijing celebrated the occasion through large-scale “garden festivals”.

Military parades returned in 1984 on the 35th anniversary of New China. In 1999, the 50th anniversary parade displayed China’s modern military strength and technology. Similar parades in 2009 and 2019, marking the 60th and 70th anniversaries, respectively, presented an increasingly advanced image of the country’s armed forces. The parade held on November 3, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japanese aggression surpassed previous displays.

Held at Tiananmen Square, military parades generally include military formations, civilian participation and cultural performances. The military section features the army, navy, air force and rocket force. At the 2019 parade, 59 formations of soldiers, more than 160 aircraft and helicopters, and 580 pieces of military equipment were displayed. Advanced missiles, stealth fighter jets and drones attracted global attention.

The parades have also served as indicators of China’s economic, military and technological development. Their cultural significance is equally important. Millions watch them on television, while others gather near the square to witness the events in person. I was fortunate to be in Beijing during the 2019 and 2025 parades, although I could not attend Tiananmen Square because I was covering them from the newsroom of CMG’s Bengali Department.

National Day is also closely linked to economic activity. The official holiday runs from October 1 to October 3, but weekly holidays before and after the period are adjusted to create a seven-day break known as the “Golden Week”. In 2025, National Day coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, extending the holiday to eight days and creating a “Super Golden Week”.

Long holidays stimulate travel, shopping and domestic consumption. During the 2025 holiday, 888 million Chinese people participated in domestic tourism. Bookings at rural family-run hotels rose by more than 40 percent, while sales of smart appliances also increased. Before the holiday, the central government allocated 690 billion yuan, approximately US$97 billion, to support the sector. Local governments also introduced consumer vouchers and “credit-based travel” schemes to encourage spending.

Cultural programmes are another important feature of the celebrations. Concerts, traditional art performances, fireworks displays and other public events are held across the country. Although fireworks have been reduced in many places for environmental reasons, major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu remain lively during the holiday.

Public participation gives these celebrations their vitality. Millions gather in public squares, and some wait overnight to watch the flag-raising ceremony. Families, friends and neighbours celebrate together, strengthening social bonds. National Day thus becomes a celebration of collective identity, in which the individual “I” becomes part of “we”.

The occasion also has international significance. Chinese embassies and consulates organise receptions attended by diplomats, business leaders and cultural figures. Foreign officials also recognise China’s achievements and its contribution to global peace and development.

At a 2025 event marking China’s National Day, Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said: “October 1 is not merely a date; it is a symbol of the rebirth of a nation, reminding us that the determination of a nation can change its destiny. In just 75 years, China, overcoming all kinds of challenges, has become one of the most vibrant and influential countries of the new era.”

China will celebrate National Day in 2026 with cultural programmes and a national flag-raising ceremony, although no large military parade is planned. Tiananmen Square has been decorated with red lanterns, flowers and large floral arrangements. The October 1 ceremony will feature the People’s Liberation Army Guard of Honour and will be broadcast nationwide.

Across the country, roads and public spaces have been decorated with national flags and lights. Concerts, cultural festivals and food fairs will be organised in different cities and provinces. The 2026 holiday will run from October 1 to October 7, and the Ministry of Transport expects more than 900 million passenger trips. High-speed rail, roads and domestic aviation services have made special preparations. Popular destinations such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City have also taken measures to manage increased visitor numbers.

I have lived and worked in China since 2012 and have witnessed many National Day celebrations. From military displays and cultural performances to the economic vitality of the Golden Week and China’s growing international influence, the occasion presents a broad picture of China’s identity and development.

Although there will be no large-scale military parade in 2026, National Day will continue to be an important occasion for the Chinese people. Each year, it reminds them of their history, sacrifices, unity and aspirations for the future. China’s National Day has therefore become a major national occasion reflecting the country’s history, development, culture and international presence.

The author: Editor of the Bengali Department, China Media Group (CMG), Beijing.