China National Day 2025

When is it Celebrated?

National Day is observed annually on October 1st. The celebrations extend into the Golden Week holiday (October 1-7), one of China's longest public holidays, allowing people to travel and celebrate extensively.

National Day Historical Data (2023 - 2027)

Know about the Complete List of Public Holidays in China this year including National and Regional holidays.

Purpose

The holiday serves multiple purposes:

• To honor the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
• To showcase national unity, pride and economic progress.
• To reflect on China's historical struggles and achievements.

How Is It Celebrated?

National Day is marked by majestic ceremonies, large-scale public festivities and cultural events across China.

1. Tiananmen Square Ceremony & Military Parade

In Beijing, a grand flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square kicks off the celebrations. Every few years, the government organizes a massive military parade, featuring marching troops, tanks, fighter jets and advanced weaponry—a symbol of China's military strength.

2. Fireworks & Light Shows

Spectacular fireworks illuminate major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Landmark buildings are adorned with vibrant LED light displays, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

3. Cultural Performances & Concerts

The holiday is filled with patriotic concerts, operas and dance performances showcasing China's rich heritage. Traditional arts such as lion dances, acrobatics and martial arts demonstrations captivate audiences nationwide.

4. Public Celebrations & Travel

Families and friends gather to enjoy feasts, participate in street festivals and visit historic sites. Since it is a Golden Week, many people take advantage of the time off to travel domestically or internationally. Popular destinations include the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Zhangjiajie National Park.

History

On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the PRC at Tiananmen Square, following the victory of the Chinese Communist Party in the Chinese Civil War. The first National Day celebrations took place in 1950, featuring a grand parade, fireworks and a military procession. Over the years, the event has evolved into a symbol of China's strength, unity and progress.

Focus & Activities

• National pride – Citizens reflect on China's achievements in technology, economy and culture.
• Unity and patriotism – Schools and communities organize events to promote national identity.
• Celebrating progress – Major announcements on economic and infrastructural developments often coincide with National Day.

Facts

• The 2009 National Day military parade featured over 8,000 troops and 60,000 civilian performers.
• China's first National Day military parade in 1949 lasted just 66 minutes.
• During Golden Week, millions of Chinese citizens travel, making it one of the busiest times for tourism.
• The largest National Day fireworks display is held in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour.

Modern-Day Celebrations

With the rise of technology, modern celebrations include:

• Live-streaming the parade for people worldwide.
• Augmented reality (AR) displays on skyscrapers in major cities.
• Online shopping festivals, with e-commerce platforms offering massive discounts.

What Do People Do?

Citizens celebrate by watching the grand parade, spending time with family and sharing patriotic messages on social media. Many take advantage of the long holiday to visit historical landmarks, attend cultural festivals or relax at home.

National Day is more than just a celebration—it's a symbol of China's unity, resilience and aspirations for the future.