Reuters/CCTV. A grand flag-raising ceremony was held Thursday morning at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Escorted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Guard of Honor, the national flag entered the square amid a trumpet fanfare as crowds of spectators from across the country gathered since the early hours to witness the occasion.
The spectators sang along with the military band to the playing of the Chinese national anthem, many holding national flags.
The center of the square was decorated with an 18-meter-high flower basket. As this year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) period, the decorative design this year features 15 types of flowers and five fruit designs chosen for their auspicious meanings, including the Chinese rose, peonies, peaches and persimmons.
Attending the daily flag-raising ceremony at Tian'anmen Square has become a major year-round tourist attraction for domestic visitors, taking on added significance during National Day celebrations on October 1.
The week-long National Day holiday, also known as the Golden Week from Oct 1 to 7, typically draws massive crowds of visitors from across the country to the square.
