China National Day is on October 1, which is an annual public holiday celebrated in the People’s Republic of China. The day marks the end of dynastic rule and the march towards democracy. It is an important milestone in the rich history of the People’s Republic of China.
History of China National Day
The beginning of the Chinese Revolution in 1911 brought an end to the monarchical system and catalyzed a democratic wave in China. It was a result of efforts from the nationalist forces to bring about democratic norms.
Chinese National Day honors the start of the Wuchang Uprising that eventually led to the end of the Qing Dynasty and later the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. On October 1, 1949, the leader of the Red Army, Mao Zedong, declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Tiananmen Square before a crowd of 300,000 people, while waving the new Chinese flag.
The declaration followed a civil war in which communist forces emerged victorious over the nationalist government. On December 2, 1949, at a meeting of the Central People’s Government Council, the declaration to formally adopt October 1 as Chinese National Day was ratified by the First National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
This marked the end of a long and bitter civil war between the Chinese Communist Party led by Mao and the Chinese government. Massive military parades and grand rallies were held from 1950 to 1959 on Chinese National Day every year. In 1960, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council decided to simplify the celebrations. Mass rallies continued to take place in Tiananmen Square until 1970, although military parades were canceled.
National days are of utmost importance, not only culturally, but also in representing independent states and the current government system.
China National Day timeline
The uprising and the start of the Xinhai Revolution begins as revolutionaries challenge foreign countries’ encroachment as well as government corruption, and as a result of resentment over Manchu rule over Han Chinese.
The last emperor Puyi abdicates his throne on this day to mark the official end of the Qing dynasty.
At the beginning of the year, the Communist Party of China (CPC) fights a civil war with Kuomintang (KMT).
The People's Republic of China is founded, with a ceremony taking place at Tiananmen Square celebrating the forming of the Central People's Government.
China National Day FAQs
How long is National Day in China?
China’s National Day is celebrated over a one-week period, beginning from October 1 and running until October 7.
How is Chinese National Day celebrated?
Chinese National Day is celebrated throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The government hosts a variety of festivities, including grand fireworks and cultural events, and public spaces are decorated.
How old is China today?
As one of the world’s four ancient civilizations, China is more than 4,000 years old.
How To Celebrate China National Day
Spread the culture
Use this opportunity to learn about the Chinese culture and use that knowledge to educate your peers.
Take a trip
Plan a trip to visit China. Even if it's not feasible to actually do it right now, just planning it will make it a more realistic possibility for some time in the (hopefully near) future and something to look forward to. Find the ideal places to stay, sights to see, and delicacies to savor and put them on your provisional itinerary.
Cook a traditional Chinese meal
Prepare traditional Chinese delicacies and dishes. Invite your friends and family over and enjoy these novel foods with them.
5 Interesting Facts About China
Fourth largest country in the world
Geographically, China is the fourth largest country in the world, after Russia, the United States, and Canada.
The color red
Red symbolizes joy and good fortune in China, which is why it is commonly seen during most Chinese festivals.
There is only one time zone
Despite spanning five time zones, China chooses to use one standard time zone.
Fortune cookies are not Chinese
Even though fortune cookies are widely believed to be Chinese, they weren’t invented there.
China invented toilet paper
One of the greatest inventions of all time was created in ancient Chinese in A.D. 851.
Why China National Day is Important
It underlines the existences of two entities
Chinese National Day honors the existence of two entities in China, traditional China and modern China.
It marks the ushering in of democracy
Chinese National Day commemorates the Wuchang Uprising that led to the fall of the monarchy.
The establishment of the People's Republic of China
This day marks the toppling of the monarchy and the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
China National Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 1 | Sunday |
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