National Day

China’s National Day, celebrated annually on October 1, commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. On that date, Mao Zedong announced the establishment of the PRC from Tiananmen in Beijing, following decades of political upheaval, war, and revolutionary struggle. The day became the country’s principal national holiday and a major expression of Chinese statehood, sovereignty, and national unity.

National Day developed into a large-scale public celebration during the early years of the PRC, with military parades, mass assemblies, cultural performances, and patriotic ceremonies forming its central traditions. Since the late twentieth century, the holiday has also become closely associated with domestic tourism and the “Golden Week” travel period. Although the exact 2026 holiday schedule and adjusted working days will be confirmed by China’s authorities, National Day is typically observed through a week-long break combining statutory holidays, weekends, and designated make-up workdays.

National Day celebrations commonly feature the raising of the Chinese flag, patriotic concerts, public decorations, and ceremonies in major cities. The most prominent annual observance is the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, which attracts large crowds and is also broadcast nationwide. On milestone anniversaries, the government may organize especially prominent military parades, mass pageants, fireworks, or cultural performances, while ordinary years generally emphasize civic events, exhibitions, and community activities.

The National Day holiday is also one of China’s busiest travel periods. Families visit relatives, explore scenic areas, attend museums and historical sites, and take “red tourism” trips connected with revolutionary history. Public buildings, shopping districts, airports, and homes may display red national flags and patriotic imagery, while television and online platforms feature historical programs, films, concerts, and holiday specials. There is no single dish required for National Day, but family banquets and regional specialties are common during gatherings. Standard greetings include “国庆快乐” (Guóqìng kuàilè, “Happy National Day”) and “祖国生日快乐” (“Happy birthday to the motherland”).