A grand flag-raising ceremony was held at the Tian'anmen Square on Thursday to mark the first day of 2026, with large crowds of people watching the solemn and dignified moment despite biting cold.

As soldiers on the Tian'anmen Rostrum blew bugles, members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guard of Honor began marching toward the square, escorting a giant red five-star national flag of the People's Republic of China.

The ceremony unfolds as a patriotic gathering, with visitors braving the cold winter morning. They've waited hours to share this moment of national pride, in the hope of extending their best wishes for the new year.

As the sun slowly rose above the horizon, the military band began playing the Chinese national anthem, and the giant five-star red flag was hoisted to the top of the mast.

When the flag reached the highest point of the mast, the crowd at the square erupted in applause and cheers.

The band played "Ode to the Motherland", and then white doves, symbolizing hope for peace, were released at the ceremony.

-Reuters