A grand flag-raising ceremony was held at the Tian'anmen Square on Wednesday to mark the first day of 2025, with large crowds of people watching the solemn and dignified moment for the country on the spot.
As soldiers on the Tian'anmen Rostrum blew bugles, members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guard of Honor began marching toward the square, escorting a giant five-star red flag.
The ceremony unfolds as a patriotic gathering, with visitors braving the cold winter morning. They've waited hours to share this moment of national pride, in the hope of extending their wishes for the 12-months ahead.
As the sun slowly rises above the horizon, the military band began playing the Chinese national anthem, and the giant red flag was hoisted to the top of the mast.
When the red flag reached the top of the mast, the crowd at the square erupted in applause and cheers.
The band played "Ode to the Motherland". White doves, symbolizing hope for peace, were released at the ceremony.
The flag-raising ceremony is a daily routine at the Tian'anmen Square.
New Year flag-raising ceremony held at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing
New Year flag-raising ceremony held at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing
The 30th Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) opened on Tuesday, kicking off a four-day bonanza attended by over 790 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions.
This year's event provides a platform for the trading of film and television entertainment content to promote global cultural exchange and cooperation in the industry.
The expo, underway in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, has attracted participants from both established and emerging markets, including major film and television markets such as France, Italy, and the Republic of Korea, as well as ASEAN countries like Cambodia and Malaysia.
It also features numerous exhibitors from emerging markets participating for the first time, demonstrating the potential for cross-regional cooperation in the film and television industry.
The event has partnered with 10 global film promotion organizations to promote more cross-regional cooperation and co-production projects.
As the mainland film and television industry actively expands into overseas markets, film and television exhibitions have gradually become one of the key platforms to help mainland companies to go global.
"First, we are bringing high-quality audiovisual content, including our TV series Swords Into Plowshares and over a dozen other new shows. Second, in terms of ecosystem development and technology-driven innovation, we are forging strategic partnerships with tech giants. We hope to leverage platforms like Hong Kong to accelerate and enhance the transformation and upgrading of our business," said Zhao Yifang, founder and CEO of Huace Group.
EntertainmentPulse, a forum organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, was held alongside FILMART, bringing together industry leaders from around the world to discuss hot topics such as artificial intelligence, video streaming, and project financing.
30th Hong Kong FILMART opens
