Thousands of tourists and locals gathered at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing on Wednesday morning, braving the freezing winter cold to witness the New Year's first flag-raising ceremony.
As the sun slowly rises above the horizon, the military band began playing the Chinese national anthem, and the giant red flag was hoisted to the top of the mast.
After witnessing the red flag reached the top of the mast, the crowd at the square erupted in applause and cheers.
"We wish our country enjoy harmony and prosperity!" said the visitors attending the ceremony.
Many of the spectators lined up outside the square at midnight to get a good spot, despite freezing temperatures of about minus eight degrees Celsius.
"We arrived before 3:00. We are university students in Beijing and watching the flag-raising ceremony here tops the must-do list for us since we study and live in the capital," said a visitor.
For some, the solemn flag-raising ceremony gave them a sense of inspiration to kick-start a new year with hope to fulfill their goals.
"Every time I watch the flag-raising ceremony, I feel emotional and deeply moved. This year, I hope to achieve more at work, contributing to our country's development," said a visitor.
Some visitors have traveled a long way from across the country to welcome the new year with this ceremony and share the moment of unity and national pride.
"We came all the way from Shenzhen to witness the flag-raising ceremony. It's an exciting experience. For the New Year, I wish everyone happiness," said a visitor from the tech hub of Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province.
"I come from Sichuan Province and I'm a member of the Tibetan ethnic group. Watching the flag-raising ceremony on the first day of the year feels truly meaningful. For 2025, I wish good health for my family, friends and loved ones," said another visitor from southwest China's Sichuan Province.
Tourists, locals gather in Tiananmen Square to watch first flag-raising ceremony of 2025
A direct flight route connecting Xi'an City in northwest China's Shaanxi Province with Malaysia's Penang was launched on Monday, marking a new chapter in cultural exchanges between the two nations.
A group of 10 university students from Xi'an International Studies University and Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts were warmly welcomed upon arrival by the Chinese Consulate General in Penang and the Penang State government officials.
Upon landing at the Penang International Airport, the flight was greeted with the traditional "water salute", followed by a warm reception at the arrival hall.
Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin, and Ding Qiao, deputy consul general of China in Penang, posed for photos with the students.
As 2025 approached, the students joined tens of thousands of locals in a countdown celebration, with fireworks lighting up the night sky, heralding a year of hope and aspirations.
"We will be undertaking a one-month internship as assistant councilors in Penang State. As young Chinese people in the new era, we aim to use this opportunity to broaden our global perspectives, better tell China's stories, convey China's voice, and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Malaysia," said Liu Hao, a graduate student at the School of Advanced Translation and Interpretation, Xi'an International Studies University.
The students, dressed in matching activewear, also participated in a New Year's Day city walk in George Town alongside local residents.
In the evening, they attended the Penang temple fair's lantern lighting ceremony and strolled through the beautifully decorated streets. The group also took photos with Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, and Zhou Youbin, Chinese Consul-General in Penang.
Penang State and Shaanxi Province enjoy a strong friendship, exemplified by collaborative projects such as the Penang State Assistant Councilor Internship Program, the Silk Road (China-ASEAN) Model United Nations Conference, and the creation of mural paintings in the typical style of farmers in Shaanxi.
As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the partnership between the two countries is set to deepen, offering broader opportunities for China-Malaysia cooperation.
Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together
