China National Day

China National Day

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  1. 1911Xinhai Revolution begins the fall of the Qing dynasty
  2. 1949People's Republic of China proclaimed in Beijing
  3. 1978Reform and opening begins under Deng Xiaoping

The story behind the day

1 October marks the day in 1949 when Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic of China from Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. The date ended the Chinese Civil War on the mainland and created the state that governs mainland China today.

The day became the central state holiday of the People's Republic and begins Golden Week, one of the world's largest annual travel periods. Its meaning is strongly tied to Communist Party rule, national rejuvenation, military display and modern state power.

Today National Day is marked with flag-raising at Tiananmen Square, official ceremonies, patriotic media, lights, tourism and occasional large military parades on major anniversaries. Visitors see red flags, floral displays, crowded landmarks and a carefully choreographed public atmosphere.

Across China, the holiday is also practical: families travel, visit scenic sites, shop, eat banquet food and watch state broadcasts. It is both a political anniversary and a mass domestic travel season.

  1. 20261 October 2026 · Thursday
  2. 20271 October 2027 · Friday
  3. 20281 October 2028 · Sunday
The Chinese flag
China flag

The Chinese flag has a red field with one large yellow star and four smaller stars. Red symbolises revolution, while the stars represent the Communist Party and the unity of the people under its leadership. The design is inseparable from the founding of the People's Republic in 1949.

Chinese celebration food varies enormously by region, but shared meals, dumplings, noodles, roast meats, fish and sweets are common ways to mark public holidays.

What to eat

Peking duckCrisp roast duck with pancakes, scallions and bean sauce from Beijing.
JiaoziDumplings filled with pork, vegetables or seafood for family gatherings.
Longevity noodlesLong noodles symbolising long life, served at festive meals.
Hot potShared simmering broth with meat, vegetables, tofu and dipping sauces.
MooncakesDense filled pastries associated with Mid-Autumn Festival but widely gifted.
Red-braised porkPork belly cooked with soy, sugar and aromatics for rich banquet flavour.

What to drink

Chinese teaGreen, oolong and pu-erh teas structure meals and hospitality.
BaijiuStrong grain spirit used for formal toasts and banquets.
Plum juiceSour plum drink served cold with meals in warm weather.
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China culture

Chinese culture is vast: dynastic history, Confucian learning, calligraphy, regional cuisines, opera, martial arts, festivals and modern megacities all shape national identity.

Tiananmen flag raisingThe Beijing ceremony is the symbolic centre of National Day.
Golden Week travelMillions travel domestically, filling trains, parks and historic sites.
Forbidden CityThe imperial palace anchors Beijing's national historical landscape.
Dragon dancesFestival performances use movement, drums and colour in public celebrations.