China’s communist party led by Mao Zedong took over China on October 1, 1949 and Chairman Mao declared the creation of New China in Tiananmen Square. The first session of the primary Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) determined in December 1949 to fix the date of National Day to October 1. With the help of the Soviets, Mao reformed the government and social order of China in a few years.
Many parades are held to honor this occasion and in 2009 the first group of foreigners took part. This was the first time since China was founded in 1949 that foreigners had participated in the parade and representatives from 53 countries attended. The people were students’ foreign experts and representatives from foreign companies.
This is celebrated by one of two GOLDEN WEEKS in China. During this time period people are encouraged to visit family and cultural sites in the country. Golden weeks are times of paid leave from work for most Chinese and the travel industry has greatly benefitted from this.
As with last National Day we will see what there is to see and hear in this new part of town. Next week we start teaching!