By Anil Azad Pandey l Beijing
China is celebrating its 77th National Day with a week-long holiday that has brought a festive atmosphere across the country. October 1 marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and the occasion is observed with official programmes, public activities and celebrations across the country.
The National Day holiday, popularly known as the “Golden Week,” is also among China’s busiest travel periods. Millions of people are travelling within the country and overseas, creating strong demand for trains, flights and road transport. Tourist destinations, parks, cultural attractions and entertainment venues are witnessing large crowds as families and friends use the extended break to travel and spend time together.
The holiday is an important period for China’s tourism and consumer sectors. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, cinemas and tourist attractions experience increased activity as people take advantage of the extended break. Extensive arrangements are made at transport hubs and popular destinations to manage crowds and facilitate the movement of travellers.
National Day also provides an opportunity to reflect on China’s economic and social transformation over the past several decades. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic, the country embarked on a long process of development. A major phase of economic transformation began with the reform and opening-up policies introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
According to World Bank estimates, more than 800 million people in China were lifted out of extreme poverty over several decades, representing one of the largest reductions in poverty recorded globally. China has also developed into a major manufacturing, trading and technology centre, supported by extensive infrastructure and a large domestic market.
Today, modern skylines, high-speed rail networks, airports and other infrastructure across Chinese cities reflect the country’s rapid development. At the same time, the Golden Week travel rush highlights the growing importance of domestic tourism, leisure and consumer activity in contemporary Chinese society.
For Chinese citizens, the National Day holiday is not only a national occasion but also a time to reconnect with family and friends, explore different destinations and enjoy a break from their daily routines.
As China marks its 77th National Day, the country remains in a vibrant holiday mood, with travel, tourism and public celebrations adding colour to the nationwide festivities.
*Anil Azad Pandey is a senior journalist based in Beijing.
