Timeline

Since the national flag was first raised in Tian'anmen Square on Oct 1, 1949, when the People's Republic of China was founded, the flag-raising ceremonies have marked numerous historic events for the nation and have evolved as the country has developed.

• Oct 2, 1949 — June, 1976

The flag-raising duty is handed over to the Beijing Power Supply Bureau. As there is no detailed plan for the ceremony, the bureau assigns a staff member to the task until June 1976.

During this time, the national flag is only raised for key events, such as New Year's Day and National Day, as well as for important gatherings and events concerning foreign affairs.

The precise time of the national flag being raised and lowered depends on the employee's schedule.

• June 1976 — Dec 1982

The Beijing Garrison of the People's Liberation Army takes over the flag-raising duty in Tian'anmen Square.

Two officers are assigned for the task, which becomes a daily routine, but without a precise schedule.

• Dec 1982 — April 1991

The People's Armed Police Force stages the ceremony.

On Feb 1, 1983, the number of those taking part in the event is raised to three, and the ceremony has to be held precisely at sunrise.

• May 1, 1991 — Dec 31, 2017

A new version of the ceremony is adopted, with different settings for normal days and key days, with the latter comprising the first, 11th and 21st of every month.

During the ceremonies on key days, a live band performs the national anthem. The number of armed police officers guarding the national flag is raised to 36.

• Jan 1, 2018 — present day

The ceremony is staged by the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The number of honor guards for the event is 96 on key days and 66 on other days.

Source: Beijing Evening News