People across China celebrate National Day in unique long vacation

An astonishing 300,000 people congregated at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Sunday morning to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, a spectacular event that marked a nationwide outpouring of jubilation.

During the early hours of the morning, numerous tourists eagerly made their way to Tiananmen Square, anticipating prime vantage points to witness the National Day flag-raising ceremony. Members of the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, marching with a resounding and synchronized cadence, emerged from the gate tower, crossed the Golden Water Bridge, and escorted the five-starred red flag to Tiananmen Square.

October 1 this year is not the first but the third day of an eight-day holiday in China that combines both the Mid-Autumn festival and the National Day, and many people have already embarked on a joyous journey after a family reunion.