A flag-raising ceremony was organized in Zhongshan to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of New China at 6:30 am on October 1. More than 1,000 representatives from all walks of life gathered at the compound of the municipal government to pay tribute to the national flag. They extended best wishes to the motherland, and eulogized the great achievements made by the People's Republic of China in the course of 70 years since its founding. [Photo by Xia Shengquan]

The square formations were assembled and the flag-raising ceremony officially began at 6:30.

When the majestic and exciting national anthem played, the bright-colored Five-Starred Red Flag rose to meet the golden rising sun. The whole personnel paid tribute to the national flag and sang the national anthem in unison, thereby expressing their deep love and best wishes to the motherland.

The solemn and grand flag-raising ceremony came to a successful conclusion with the exuberant melody of "Ode to the Motherland".

Later at 10 am, Zhongshan also organized people to watch the live coverage of the military parade and mass procession in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China.