China’s National Day Through the Lens - The People's Republic of China (PRC) observes its anniversary today. Here is a selection of photographs that captured this national celebration over the years.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) observes its anniversary today. Here is a selection of photographs that captured this national celebration over the years. China’s National Day Through the Lens

The People's Republic of China (PRC) observes its anniversary today. This National Day has been celebrated each year since October 1st 1949, when Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong declared the creation of the People’s Republic of China before a crowd of 300,000 in Tian'anmen Square while waving the newly created Chinese flag. Today Chinese people enjoy a 7-day holiday from Oct. 1st to 7th, which is known as Golden Week. There are usually many activities held around the country, especially in Beijing.

Below is a selection of photographs that captured or evoked — more or less directly — this national celebration over the years.

1 - China’s National Day Through the Lens | - China’s National Day Through the Lens

2 - China’s National Day Through the Lens | - China’s National Day Through the Lens

li zhensheng 11 - China’s National Day Through the Lens | - China’s National Day Through the Lens

archive agnes gaudu 294 - China’s National Day Through the Lens | - China’s National Day Through the Lens

archive agnes gaudu 295 - China’s National Day Through the Lens | - China’s National Day Through the Lens

archive agnes gaudu 315 - China’s National Day Through the Lens | - China’s National Day Through the Lens

Beijing 1er octobre 2005 - China’s National Day Through the Lens | - China’s National Day Through the Lens

Subtitles 1 authority LELEU 14 - China’s National Day Through the Lens | - China’s National Day Through the Lens

More information about the authors:
• Henri Cartier-Bresson
• Solange Brand
• Li Zhensheng
• Agnès Gaudu
• Bogdan Konopka
• Eric Leleu