A flag-raising ceremony was held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark the first day of 2026. As the first rays of sunlight of the New Year illuminated the square, China's national flag rose gradually into the sky. Crowds gathered to witness the solemn moment, expressing their hopes and best wishes for the prosperity of the country in the coming year. The ceremony marked a dignified yet uplifting start to the New Year, reinforcing a shared sense of pride and confidence as the country moves into 2026.