Crowds of people assembled across China at daybreak on the country's National Day to pay solemn tribute to the rising national flags and to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
In Lhasa City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, a grand flag-raising ceremony was held in front of the Potala Palace on Tuesday morning, with residents gathering to observe the national flags rising along with the sun.
"Today is our National Day. I am so excited to have watched the flag-raising ceremony at the square in front of Potala Palace with everyone. I wish China prosperity and progress," said a local resident named Tenzin Serdon.
In Nanning City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, local residents from different ethnic groups participated in a flag-raising ceremony. "Today is a day of great joy as compatriots from diverse ethnic groups come together to celebrate the National Day and witness the flag-raising ceremony. We all share a common dream, that is to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. May the future of our motherland be even brighter," said a resident named Lai Caimei.
As the first rays of the rising sun reached the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Shanghai, and the old revolutionary bases of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Longyan City in east China's Fujian Province and in Xibaipo Village in north China's Hebei Province, massive crowds packed the cities' landmarks to witness the flag-raising ceremony.
National Day was also celebrated by ethnic minority groups in Changsha County in central China's Hunan Province, Ludian County in southwest China's Yunnan Province, Bayannur City in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jixi City in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.
Meanwhile, local officials and residents in flood-hit Suizhong County in Huludao in northeast China's Liaoning Province gathered to celebrate the founding of the country on Tuesday.
Reconstruction work is in full swing after the county was severely hit after a bout of torrential rain triggered severe flooding this summer.
"During the National Day holiday, we are still ramping up reconstruction efforts in our disaster-stricken areas, to ensure that all 113 rebuilt households in the village are ready for villagers to move in before the arrival of the heating season on Nov. 1, so our villagers can have a warm and safe winter," said Du Peng, head of Jiabeiyan Township.
On the same day, people from all walks off life raised national flags at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the construction sites of Huangtong-Baise Railway and the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.
"Today marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China. Attending the flag-raising ceremony at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which connects three cities, is highly significant and fills me with great pride. We will stand firm in our respective positions, support the construction of the bridge as a new economic and trade corridor, and better serve the high-quality development and high-level openness," said customs officer Zhou Lingxiang.
Flag-raising ceremonies were also held in the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macao on Tuesday.
China's national flag and the HKSAR flag were hoisted and the national anthem was played at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade at Victoria Harbor by the disciplined services.
The national flag and the flag of the Macao SAR were also raised in Macao's Golden Lotus Square, as the national anthem played. A series of events to celebrate National Day such as a running event and dragon dance performances were held afterwards.
Flag-raising ceremonies held across China to celebrate National Day
