Chinese National Day
China holds its National Day celebration annually on the 1st of October and has done since the
People’s Republic of China was formed in 1949. It is an important occasion for Chinese people across the nation and begins with fireworks in the early morning. In the Chinese capital, Beijing, people begin arriving at Tiananmen Square to witness the ceremonial occasion of raising the national flag. Following this is a review and parade of soldiers, sailors and airmen. Cities across the country hold their own activities to celebrate the day. During the evening there are firework displays and musical events that continue into the night.
In 1999 the holiday was extended to a seven day holiday, with the weekend either side of the holiday giving a possible nine days (although the first Saturday this year was a working day for government workers and teachers). It is regarded as a Golden Week by the Chinese people, with many travelling to their home province or visiting tourist attractions during this period of free time.
The days leading up to and just after the National Day Holiday are very busy travel days, I bought my train tickets nearly three weeks ago and several trains were already sold out then. I finished work yesterday (Saturday 30th) but could not get a ticket for a train until Monday afternoon so I have a couple of days of relaxation before returning to see my family in Jiangxi province. I have been working every day for the past month, so it is good to have a little free time.
Happy National Day!!
