China's southernmost city Sansha in Hainan Province held a national flag-raising ceremony on islands, reefs, and ships on Tuesday, in order to celebrate the country's National Day.
On Yongxing Island, part of Sansha City, armed police officers and soldiers marched in step and escorted the Five-starred Red Flag towards the flagpole to hold a solemn flag-raising ceremony, as Tuesday marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
At 7:24 local time, people lined up in an orderly manner for the flag-raising ceremony on the National Day.
"Being able to raise the five-starred red flag with my own hands on this special day has further strengthened my determination and will to guard the southern gate of our motherland," said Wu Minjie, the flag bearer.
"My emotions are indescribable. With excited mood, I hope that Sansha City can be built even better in the future," said Chen Chenghua, veteran of the Battle of the Xisha Islands.
"As a young police officer of the new era, I will follow in the footsteps of my predecessors, work hard, and selflessly dedicate myself to safeguarding the security of our motherland. May our great motherland prosper forever," said Li Jiawei, police officer of Sansha Public Security Bureau.
After the flag-raising ceremony on Yongxing Island in Sansha City, a flash mob choir was organized, where everyone could voice their best wishes for the motherland.
The ceremony also took place on the Yongle Islands of the Xisha Islands on the National Day.
"On this special day, I wish our country prosperity and wish the people peace and happiness," Said Jiang Yutao, staff member of Yongle Working Committee in Sansha City.
A flag-raising ceremony was also held on various islands and reefs, such as Zhaoshu Island, Jinqing Island, and Meiji Reef in Sansha City, as well as on the law enforcement ship "Sansha Zhifa 301" and China's fishery administration vessel "Yuzheng 306" -- which are cruising and patrolling the waters of Sansha.
"May the motherland prosper and the people stay happy and healthy," said Xiang Guoxiang, captain of "Sansha Zhifa 301".
China's southernmost city of Sansha holds national flag-raising ceremony
China's car trade-in program stimulates consumption during the National Day holiday as visitors are flocking to auto shows held in the country.
The Shenzhen October International Auto Show kicked off in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province on Tuesday, which is also the first day of the seven-day National Day holiday, drawing a throng of passionate citizens to visit the show and buy new cars. The five-day show drew about 120,000 people to visit on Tuesday, generating a revenue of 1.5 billion yuan (around 213.13 million U.S. dollars).
Last month, a new round of car trade-in policies rolled out by the local government allows local citizens to enjoy a maximum subsidy of 30,000 yuan (about 4,262.63 U.S. dollars) when they scrap their old cars to buy new ones.
"I want to buy a car priced under 300,000 yuan (about 42,625.74 U.S. dollars), and it is about 60,000 yuan (8,525.51 U.S. dollars) cheaper after the trade-in," said a citizen surnamed Luo.
Apart from government policies, subsidies and discounts provided by car brands at the exhibition also contribute to this shopping frenzy.
"It's beyond our expectation. The fourth quarter is traditionally a peak season for car sales, and this bustling scene boosts our confidence," said Hu Qing, sales manager of a brand at the auto show.
In Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, over 200 models from 50 auto companies are being showcased at an auto show held in the city during the holiday.
It attracts many potential purchasers following the implementation of trade-in programs rolled out by China.
Major auto dealers at the show also provide trade-in and financing subsidies, enabling consumers to get a car at a more affordable price.
"China has launched subsidies for new energy vehicles trade-in, so I want to take this opportunity to replace my old car with a new one during the holiday," said Bao Haitao, a local resident.
In August, China has increased a financial stimulus to encourage consumers to scrap their old vehicles and buy new ones. Subsidies for trade-ins of new energy passenger vehicles have doubled to 20,000 yuan (around 2,841.8 U.S. dollars), according to the document released by the Ministry of Commerce and six other government departments in the country.
Vehicle trade-in spurs consumption in China during National Day holiday
