October 1st is the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and celebrated as China’s National Holiday. An important occasion, the holiday is celebrated all of the People’s Republic of China.

Since the National Party Plenum meeting in May 1999, Chinese people have been guaranteed a week off during the holiday, turning the holiday into both a patriotic and economic fixture of the Autumn season. In folk parlance, National Day is referred to as one of the “Golden Weeks”, of the year, the other one being the week during the Chinese Lunar New Year. 

On October 1st in 1949 the Chinese people, under the leadership of Communist Party of China, declared victory in War of Liberation against the Nationalist forces of Chiang Kai Shek. The grand ceremony for the founding of People's Republic of China was held on this day in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central People's Government, solemnly declared the founding of P.R.C. at the ceremony and raised the first national flag of China himself. 300,000 soldiers and people gathered on the square for the grand parade and procession.

During China's National Day, red lanterns are seen everywhere, especially hanging at the gates of government office buildings as well as all kinds of stores and shops. The red lantern is a symbol of festivity, luck and happiness.

Many Chinese people like to enjoy this week-long holiday by taking a short excursion or long distance family visit. The result is that many famous destinations become very crowded.

Airline tickets, train tickets, long distance bus tickets as well as hotel rooms should be booked ahead of time.

Beware of sticky fingers, especially on public buses, supermarkets and tourism regions. 

The week-long National Day Holiday is a week for retail sales. Almost all department stores, supermarkets, and small shops will feature discounts.

National Day is celebrated throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau with a variety of festivities, including fireworks and concerts, such as The Hong Kong National Day Fireworks Display, The Music Spectacular Water Cube Concert and The Shanghai National Day Concert mentioned before.