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Flag of China

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The national flag of the People's Republic of China is a powerful symbol of the nation.

Flag of the People's Republic of China
Flag of the People's Republic of China

It is often called the "Five-star Red Flag." The design consists of a bright red field with five golden stars. These stars are positioned in a specific arrangement at the canton, which is the top corner near the flagpole. One large star sits near the hoist, while four smaller stars form an arc toward the fly. This flag represents the identity and history of the Chinese people and their government.

The design uses specific colors and shapes to convey deep political meaning. The red background symbolizes the Chinese Communist Revolution. The five stars represent the unity of different social classes under one leadership. The large star symbolizes the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The four smaller stars represent four specific social classes: the working class, the peasantry, the urban petite bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie.

Flag of China (construction sheet)
Flag of China (construction sheet)

The orientation of the stars is also important. Each smaller star is rotated so its top point aims toward the center of the large star. This symbolizes that the different groups of people revolve around a single center of unity.

To ensure every flag looks exactly the same, there are strict construction rules. The flag is designed on a mathematical grid that is 15 units high and 10 units wide. The center of the large star is placed exactly 5 units from the hoist and 5 units from the top. The diameter of the large star's circumscribed circle is 6 units. For the smaller stars, their positions are also precisely calculated. Each small star has a diameter of 2 units. Their centers are placed at specific coordinates to maintain the perfect arc shape.

Flag of China (construction sheet)
Flag of China (construction sheet)

China's national flags have changed many times throughout history. In 1862, the Qing dynasty used the Yellow Dragon Flag. That flag featured an azure dragon on a yellow field with a red pearl. In 1912, the Beiyang government adopted the Five-Colored Flag. This flag had five stripes representing different ethnic groups. Later, after the Northern Expedition, a flag with a red field and a blue canton was used.

The first flag of China
The first flag of China

The current Five-star Red Flag was designed by Zeng Liansong. It was officially adopted on October 1, 1949, during the proclamation of the People's Republic of China. On that day, the People's Liberation Army first hoisted it over Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

First flag of PRC hoisted on the PRC Founding Ceremony at MCPC (20220911153921)
First flag of PRC hoisted on the PRC Founding Ceremony at MCPC (20220911153921)

There are many official sizes and color standards for the flag. The National Flag Law notes five official sizes for flying on flagpoles. These range from large flags, such as 288 by 192 centimeters, to smaller ones, like 96 by 64 centimeters. There are also four even smaller sizes for decorations on cars or in meeting rooms. The colors are strictly regulated by the Standardization Administration of China. The red and gold colors must meet specific technical measurements in color spaces like CIE 1964 xyY10. This ensures the flag looks the same whether it is made of silk, cotton, or synthetic fiber.

Protocol dictates how the flag must be treated in public life. The flag must be raised daily at Tiananmen Square and at various government buildings. It is also displayed at airports, railway stations, and schools. In schools, the flag is raised every day except during vacations and Sundays.

潮州百花台 建校65周年校庆 升国旗
潮州百花台 建校65周年校庆 升国旗

During a flag-raising ceremony, the national anthem, "March of the Volunteers," is played or sung. Participants must stand at attention and salute the flag. When raising the flag, it must rise slowly to the very top of the pole. When lowering the flag, it must never touch the ground.

The flag also serves as a symbol of national mourning. It is flown at half-mast to honor the death of specific leaders. This includes the President of the People's Republic of China and the Premier of the State Council. It is also used to honor people who made outstanding contributions to world peace or human progress. The flag may also be flown at half-mast during severe natural disasters or public health emergencies.

Flag of the People's Republic of China
Flag of the People's Republic of China

These rules ensure the flag remains a respected and solemn symbol for the entire country.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Chinese flag (Beijing) - IMG 1104.jpg
Chinese flag (Beijing) - IMG 1104.jpg
File:Flag of China (construction sheet).svg
Flag of China (construction sheet).svg
File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg
File:Vertical Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg
Vertical Flag of the People's Republic of...
File:潮州百花台 建校65周年校庆 升国旗.JPG
潮州百花台 建校65周年校庆 升国旗.JPG
File:2008 Tibet. China..jpg
2008 Tibet. China..jpg
File:The first flag of China.jpg
The first flag of China.jpg
File:First flag of PRC hoisted on the PRC Founding Ceremony at MCPC (20220911153921).jpg
First flag of PRC hoisted on the PRC...
File:Flag_flying_protocol_of_Hong_Kong_SAR_and_PRC.svg
Flag_flying_protocol_of_Hong_Kong_SAR_and_PRC.svg
File:Flag of the Customs of the People's Republic of China.svg
Flag of the Customs of the People's...
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