From streets to museums, and airports to public squares, Chinese cities are suffused with celebratory red, commemorating the 70 years of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as the country remains soaked in the festive mood.
On October 1, 1949, legendary Communist leader Mao Zedong from Beijing’s Gate of Heavenly Peace, had proclaimed the founding of the PRC after a bloody civil war, and the period post this phase is generally referred to by the Chinese as ‘new China’.
From Beijing to Nanjing and Shanghai to Yangzhou, cities, big and small, are still in the grip of celebratory mood, with ubiquitous five-star red national flags dotting the streets, hanging on lamp posts, and giant decorative pieces themed on 70 years adorning traffic intersections.
Chinese people, young and old, said, the excitement of the 70th year has not subsided and cities continue to wear festive look, post the massive celebrations in Beijing on October 1 where President Xi Jinping presided over the country’s largest parade, showcasing its military might and unity among top leaders, to celebrate the Communist Party’s hold on power for 70 years.
The celebrations, albeit, took place amid shadows of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.