What to Expect for the Jul 1 Celebrations

As we previously reported, the celebrations of the Communist Party's anniversary on Jul 1 has been resulting temporary closures around town. But up to now, we haven't really known much about what to actually expect out of the actual day-of celebrations except that helicopters will likely give a showing in formation across the skies.  

Here's what we know so far:

Traffic restrictions not likely to extend outside of Tian'anmen 

In comparison to the 70th Anniversary of China celebrations of 2019, which resulted in traffic restrictions across vast swaths of central Beijing, the celebrations this year will not include a military parade, and therefore only roads essentially right around Tiananmen Square, as well as Qianmen, will be affected.

Ahead of the celebrations, a few Subway stops will be affected on Jul 25, however. Namely, Olympic Center Station (Line 8), and Olympic Forest Park South Gate (Line 8) stations will be closed for the entirety of that day. 

Meanwhile, Beitucheng (Line 8/10) Andzhenmen (Line 10), Anlilu (Line 15) and Olympic Park Station (Line 15) will be closed on that day after 5pm.

Fireworks to light up the sky

With July 1 rolling around, expect to see Beijing skies lit up with some stunning firework displays around Late June to celebrate the founding of the Chinese party.

It's not entirely clear when the fireworks will launch, but if you're near the area, you may be able to hear the crackles and maybe even see them light up the sky. Just don't expect to get a front-row seat! In other words, we everyday Beijingers are not invited to the show.

Floral decorations to set up along Chang’ an Avenue

You might have seen construction workers setting up floral decorations alongside Chang’ an Avenue before. Well, this year people can pose for photos alongside huge flower baskets that reads “all the 98.99 million people in rural areas were lifted out of poverty.”

These exquisite flower beds that stretch across Chang’ an Avenue serve to spice up the festive vibe of the celebration. If you live around Tiananmen area, you may begin to see more and more flower beds popping up as the celebration draws near.

Tiananmen Square public closure extended

We originally expected that Tiananmen would reopen after Jul 1. However, now reports say that the square will "slowly resume opening" after Jul 1, implying that it may not be welcoming visitors just so soon. So if you were planning on an early morning to go watch the flag-raising ceremony that weekend, you might want to reschedule.

READ:More Closures Announced Ahead of Jul 1 Anniversary Celebrations

Images: Unsplash, news.cn