This morning, Beijing time, more than ten thousand doves were relaesed over the capital's iconic Tian'anmen Square at the conclusion of the daily flag-raising ceremony. The birds are symbols of peace. It's become a New Year's Day tradition for tens of thousands of Chinese to gather at the heart of Beijing, to watch the national flag rise with the sun. The ceremony not only presents a patriotic scene, but is also a ritual for many wishing to mark the beginning of the new year. CGTN's Zhao Yunfei spent the entire night with the crowd as they waited to witness the solemn moment.

It's the moment when the first sunshine of the new year touches the Chinese capital. A squad of 96 soldiers guarding the five-star red flag marches across Chang'an street. Salute to the national flag.

It all takes place under the gaze of a crowd that's waited hours to witness the 46-second-long flag-raising rite. The audience comes from all parts of China, and often further afield. Many of them made the trip to Beijing specially for this. But to get a good spot, they need to be up with the lark. For many, attending the country's largest flag-raising ceremony is a major deal.

"Today is very meaningful for me, I have never been here before. I got here very early this morning."

"My boy is in Grade One. We brought him here to help educate him on patriotism. Today's experience will have a big influence on his life."

China' global impact is constantly growing and some say the country's role in the world can also affect its own ordinary people.

"I hope our country can enhance people's livelihoods in all perspectives. We all look forward to the prosperity of our motherland, so that the Chinese can have a higher social status worldwide."

ZHAO YUNFEI BEIJING "People started arriving here in Tian'anmen Square in the very early hours of this morning, and have been standing by in temperatures as low as minus-10 degrees Celsius. Chinese people share a collective ideology. They relate their respective fates to the country's destiny. The New Year flag-raising ceremony is seen as an occasion when they can reflect on what's passed and look ahead to the future."