National Day (China)

National Day, also known as the National Day of the People's Republic of China, is a significant public holiday in China. It marks the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, when the Chinese Communist Party, led by Chairman Mao Zedong, officially established the country as a communist state, ending years of civil war and foreign occupation.

When is National Day (China)?

National Day in China is celebrated on October 1st every year. The following is the list of National Day from 2024 to 2028.

The History of National Day

In the early 20th century, China experienced significant political and social changes, including the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, and later, the rise of various warlords and factions vying for control.

Following the end of World War II, the Chinese Civil War between the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) resumed. The civil war had been ongoing since the 1920s, with periods of conflict and temporary ceasefires.

On October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong, the leader of the CCP, officially declared the founding of the People's Republic of China in a ceremony held in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. This event marked the victory of the CCP over the Nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek and the establishment of communist rule in mainland China.

Today, National Day is a significant public holiday in China, and it is celebrated with various events and festivities. The central celebration takes place in Beijing's Tiananmen Square and includes a flag-raising ceremony, a military parade showcasing China's military strength, cultural performances, and fireworks.

What People Do on National Day?

On National Day in China, people engage in various activities and celebrations to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It is a significant public holiday, and here are some common ways people celebrate:

• Flag-Raising Ceremonies: Official flag-raising ceremonies are held in cities and towns across China. The central and most prominent ceremony takes place in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.
• Military Parades: In Beijing, a massive military parade is often organized to showcase China's military strength and achievements. This event includes a display of troops and aircraft, and it is attended by top government officials and foreign dignitaries.
• Fireworks Displays: National Day celebrations often conclude with elaborate fireworks displays in many cities across China. These displays are a colorful and impressive spectacle, and people gather to watch them in parks and public spaces.
• Decorations: Streets, buildings, and public spaces are adorned with national flags, red banners, and festive decorations in red and gold, creating a vibrant and patriotic atmosphere.
• Travel and Tourism: National Day marks the beginning of the "Golden Week," a week-long public holiday in China. Many people take advantage of this time to travel, visit scenic spots, and explore different regions of the country.
• Family Reunions: As with many holidays in China, National Day is an occasion for family reunions. Families come together to celebrate, share meals, and spend quality time with loved ones.
• Songs and Speeches: Radio and television broadcasts feature patriotic songs and speeches by government officials, emphasizing the importance of national unity and development.

National Day in China is a time for patriotism and national pride, and it serves as a reminder of its journey toward unity and development. While the official celebrations in Beijing are the most prominent, the holiday is celebrated by people throughout the country in various ways.

Who Was Chairman Mao Zedong?

Chairman Mao Zedong, often referred to simply as Mao Zedong or Mao Tse-tung, was a Chinese communist revolutionary, political theorist, and founding father of the People's Republic of China (PRC). He was one of the most prominent figures in modern Chinese history and played a central role in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Mao Zedong was born on December 26, 1893, in the rural province of Hunan, China. He grew up in a peasant family and received a basic education. Mao became politically active in the early 1920s and played a key role in the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921. He was influenced by Marxist and Leninist ideologies and believed in the need for a communist revolution in China.

In the 1930s, Mao led the Red Army during the Long March, a grueling and strategic retreat that covered thousands of miles. This event solidified his leadership within the CCP. Mao played a central role in the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) between the CCP and the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang). The CCP emerged victorious, leading to the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

After the founding of the PRC, Mao became its first Chairman, holding the position until 1959, when he stepped down in favor of Liu Shaoqi but retained significant influence. In the late 1950s, Mao initiated the Great Leap Forward, an ambitious and controversial economic and social campaign aimed at rapidly transforming China into a socialist state. The policy led to economic disruptions and a severe famine, resulting in millions of deaths.

In the mid-1960s, Mao launched the Cultural Revolution, a political and ideological movement aimed at purging perceived counter-revolutionaries and promoting his radical communist ideology. This period saw widespread violence, persecution, and political turmoil.

Mao's policies had far-reaching consequences for China. While he is credited with unifying China and bringing an end to imperial rule and foreign domination, his tenure also saw significant human rights abuses, political purges, and economic turmoil.

Mao Zedong died on September 9, 1976, at the age of 82. After his death, China underwent a period of reform and opening up under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, which led to significant economic and political changes.

Mao Zedong remains a highly controversial figure. He is celebrated by some as a founding father of modern China and a symbol of national unity, while others view him as a dictator responsible for the suffering and deaths of millions due to his policies.