Life in China 2016: A Picture A Day, October 1 – Chinese National Day has been celebrated on October 1st since 1949. It is celebrated in China, Hong Kong and Macau. The week following is called “Golden Week.” It is comparable to the USA’s 4th of July, only it lasts a full week instead of one day. Schools are closed as well as many businesses. Mainland China has three official days off, but many people will then have to work the weekend after to make up time. Travelling is very popular during this holiday, since people have more time off. New flags are put up on display, some areas have parades or fireworks. Our plaza had some live music, and we could have gotten a free little flag from our housing office if we wanted (which we didn’t) but, there’s really not much happening right here! The picture shows flag banners along the main road and above the escalator at the supermarket.