Penn Global Seminars, Global Correspondents Experiencing the Dawn of Patriotism: Journey to Tiananmen Square's Flag-Raising Ceremony

PGS: Chinese Language

On our last day, a group of students and I set our alarms for 1:00am to end our trip on an unforgettable experience, enriched with history and tradition. Everyday, thousands upon thousands of Chinese citizens wake up early and wait patiently for the flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square at the break of dawn.

Starting with Mao Zedong in 1954, the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square is a deeply symbolic event in China, representing the country's unity, resilience, and progress. It takes place at sunrise, with precision and solemnity, conducted by the People’s Liberation Army. The ceremony involves a march from the Gate of Heavenly Peace to the flagpole, where the national flag is raised to the national anthem. This daily ritual serves as a reminder of China’s historical struggles and achievements, evoking a strong sense of patriotism among those present.

We arrived to the gates of Tiananmen Square around 2:00am. When I first heard that thousands were going to be present, I simply didn’t believe it. How could thousands of people wake up THAT early in the morning just to see a flag rise? Now, I realise how wrong I was. Long lines of citizens waited patiently outside the gates to be let in and I was in awe. Waiting for hours in line might seem daunting, but the atmosphere was electric. Seeing so many gathered to celebrate and honor their nation was inspiring and heartwarming to experience.

Once we finally checked in through security, the mood completely changed. Everyone, including us, suddenly burst into action, sprinting across Tiananmen Square to secure the best spot for watching the flag rise. People of all ages and backgrounds were pushing and squeezing through the crowd in a desperate attempt to find the ideal place. It was early in the morning, but the atmosphere was exhilarating, and the excitement was infectious. We couldn't help but experience the shared excitement of expectation as we made our way through the crowd, knowing that we were going to witness a momentous occasion that would have great national pride as well as historical significance.

As dawn began to break, a hush fell over the crowd. The sight of the flag being carried towards the pole, accompanied by the crisp march of the soldiers, was mesmerizing. When the flag was finally hoisted, and the national anthem played, the crowd erupted in song, singing the national anthem in unison. Standing there, amidst thousands of people, watching the sun rise over one of the most historically significant squares in the world, was a profoundly moving experience. It was more than just a visual spectacle; it was a moment of shared respect and admiration for a nation's commitment to tradition.

Our early morning venture to Tiananmen Square was an experience that will stay with us forever. The flag-raising ceremony was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of China, and being part of it, even for a morning, was an honor. As we walked back, with the city waking up around us, we felt a profound connection to the place and its people, having shared in a moment of collective pride and historical reflection. Although, I only slept for about 3 hours that night, I will never regret waking up to view such an amazing site. The main thing I would advise anyone to do if they have the opportunity to travel, make the most out of every moment, you never know when you’ll have that chance to experience it again.