As golden sunlight bathed Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, thousands gathered early October 1 to witness a historic moment – the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. The flag-raising ceremony, timed perfectly with dawn’s first light, drew crowds waving miniature national flags and snapping selfies with a massive floral display symbolizing unity and prosperity. 🌸
This year’s event blended tradition with modern flair. Social media buzzed as attendees shared clips of synchronized military marches and the unfurling of the five-starred red flag – a moment one university student called 'like watching history and TikTok trends collide.' The square’s centerpiece? A towering flower basket adorned with peonies and wheat, nodding to China’s agricultural roots and urban future.
National Day celebrations have become a cultural touchstone for young Chinese, mixing patriotic pride with Instagram-worthy visuals. While older generations reminisced about past ceremonies, Gen-Z attendees highlighted the event’s evolving digital footprint. 'My grandparents came here in the 1980s with film cameras,' said 24-year-old influencer @BeijingBreeze. 'Now we’re live-streaming it to the world.' 📱
