Over 120,000 people gathered at Beijing's Tiananmen Square at dawn on Wednesday to witness a solemn flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event unfolded as the first rays of sunlight illuminated the square, with the national anthem resonating across the historic site.
A Dawn of Unity and Pride
Attendees from across the country stood in unison as the Five-Starred Red Flag ascended its pole, many capturing the moment on smartphones. "Seeing the flag rise with my family fills me with hope for our nation's future," said Zhang Wei, a Beijing resident who arrived hours early to secure a viewing spot.
Reflecting on Progress
The ceremony comes amid China's continued economic development and technological advancements. International observers note the anniversary celebrations serve as both a cultural touchstone and a reminder of China's growing global influence. Similar events were reported in cities across the country, with public buildings adorned with festive decorations.
As the crowd dispersed, messages of unity and aspirations for shared prosperity dominated social media platforms, with related hashtags trending nationwide through the morning.
