Chinese celebrate 77 years of People's Republic, advance modernization with confidence

BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Hours before dawn on Thursday, Tian'anmen Square was already alive with anticipation. More than 100,000 people from across China gathered at the heart of Beijing to watch the national flag-raising ceremony as the People's Republic of China (PRC) marked its 77th founding anniversary.

At around 6:10 a.m., the national anthem echoed across the square. People sang in unison, their eyes following the five-starred red flag as it rose into the sky. For many, the moment brought tears.

When a large flock of white doves soared into the air, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, filling the square with jubilation.

Children waved national flags as they ran about, young people chatted and laughed with national flag stickers on their cheeks, and older visitors in bright, festive clothes smiled for group photos in front of an 18-meter-high flower basket at the center of the square.

The festive mood extended far beyond the capital. Across the country, many streets were lined with national flags and floral displays, while residential communities were adorned with lanterns and traditional Chinese knots.

"Every time I pass these flower displays, I feel inspired," said Gao Feng, a food delivery rider who crossed Chang'an Avenue, a major thoroughfare through central Beijing.

"I truly believe that if everyone does their job well and takes things one step at a time, we can build a better future," Gao said.

On Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders paid tribute to fallen heroes at a Martyrs' Day ceremony, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Chinese people and the development of the PRC.

China also presented the 2026 Chinese Government Friendship Award to 50 foreign experts in recognition of their contributions to China's development and to friendship and cooperation between China and other countries.

REMARKABLE PROGRESS

On this very day 77 years ago, the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong stood on Tian'anmen Rostrum and declared the birth of the PRC, marking a watershed moment in Chinese history.

In the decades since, China has risen from a poor country to the world's second-largest economy and a major country striding toward the center of the world stage.