Many cities across China have rolled out distinctive cultural tourism events blending ancient architecture, light shows, traditional lanterns and festive red decorations to celebrate the week-long National Day holiday starting on Thursday.
In Yinchuan City of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the historic Yuhuang Pavilion was illuminated in a dazzling light display on Wednesday night, creating a strong holiday atmosphere.
An immersive theatrical performance, featuring laser projections and live reenactments, guided the audience through the local cultural heritage and brought centuries of history vividly to life.
A gala performance and an intangible cultural heritage market were also held on site, allowing tourists to take part in interactive activities and become part of the show rather than mere spectators.
In Fangyuan Village of Pingnan County of east China's Fujian Province, festive lights illuminated ancient residential buildings in the traditional community with a history of more than 600 years.
Bright fish lanterns held by villagers weaved along the rain corridors, creating a striking contrast with the walls of the ancient houses.
The picturesque scenery has attracted many tourists from across the country.
"We have combined rural folk customs with modern music, enriched the cultural tourism offerings of our village, increased villagers' incomes and empowered rural revitalization," said Li Wei, head of the village.
To welcome the National Day holiday, Nanjing City in east China's Jiangsu Province has been decorated with festive horticultural sculptures and floral displays.
National flags also hang neatly from lampposts on both sides of the main roads.
In the ancient city of Dali in southwestern China's Yunnan Province, red lanterns hang in sequence atop the gate tower. More than 10,000 pots of seasonal flowers have been placed along streets and squares.
The city has also introduced a series of cultural tourism initiatives including free admission to scenic spots and discounts on boat tours, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the charm of the old city while celebrating the National Day.
National Day holiday lights up cultural tourism across China
China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) held a flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Lotus Square on Thursday morning to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
At 08:00, a flag-bearing contingent composed of members of the Police Tactical Intervention Unit, a subordinate of the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau of Macao, escorted the national flag and the Macao SAR flag into the square in a Chinese-style marching step.
This marks the first time members of the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau have participated in a flag-raising ceremony using Chinese-style drill formations. To match the style, the contingent members wore brand-new uniforms and were equipped with brand-new gear.
Macao SAR Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai attended the ceremony, along with heads of central government agencies in Macao and representatives of people from all walks of life in the region.
Young representatives from Macao who had previously traveled to Beijing to participate in the "Salute to the National Flag" event also attended the ceremony.
"As a youth from Macao, I feel particularly honored and proud to be able to participate in this flag-raising ceremony. After watching the ceremony, I feel extremely moved and excited," said Tai U Fei, a student from the Macao SAR.
"This is the first time this year to witness the change from the Portuguese-style to the Chinese-style drill formations. I had seen their training before, and this time I was able to witness this historic moment with my own eyes at the Golden Lotus Square. I feel very honored. We had just returned from our visit to Beijing, where we also watched the same flag-raising ceremony from the viewing stand at Tian'anmen Square. When those familiar steps came to our land in Macao, I felt a strong sense of familiarity and honor. My feelings today are as warm as the sunshine," said another young student named Che Hang Kok.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, the Macao SAR government held a reception to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Sam said the motherland's vigorous development and constant progress have always been the strongest support and warmest haven for the Macao SAR.
Looking ahead, Macao will demonstrate greater resolve and adopt a more forward-looking approach to push the SAR to make greater contribution to the great cause of building China into a powerful country and realizing national rejuvenation, he said, adding that the SAR will write a new chapter in the successful practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics.
Flag-raising ceremony held in Macao to mark 77th founding anniversary of PRC
