National Day, a joyous day of celebration all over the country, was first observed in the Western Jin Dynasty. Luji, a litterateur of the time, noted that some events such as emperors’ birthdays and the First Coronation were important in China’s feudal times. Generally speaking, every dynasty in Chinese history appointed the First Coronation Day as the National Day.

Nowadays, October 1st is recognized as the National Day of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

In September 1949, the first meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) session appointed October 1st as National Day. On that day, Chairman Mao Zedong declared the founding of the PRC, which would spark great change in Chinese history. Over 300,000 people took part in a grand ceremony to celebrate the establishment of the Central People's government in Tian'anmen Square in Beijing. The first five-star red flag was hoisted accompanied by the national anthem—The March of the Volunteers.

Later, Chairman Mao read the "Notice to the Central People's Government", announcing: “The Central People's government is China’s sole legitimate government. Based on equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of any foreign government, the government is willing to establish diplomatic relations with them.” On the same day, Beijing Xinhua Radio broadcasted at the site of the country's founding ceremony. This was the first large-scale live broadcast around the country in the history of China.

Editor: Yan Fei