China is currently celebrating its Golden Week holiday, which began on Oct 1, 2025, with the country’s 76th National Day. The holiday continues with the Mid-Autumn Festival on Oct 6 and runs through Oct 8. Normal business operations, including the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ daily press conference, will resume on Oct 9.

I feel fortunate to be in China during this ‘precious’ pause from the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme, allowing me to embrace my life as a ‘Beijinger’ and savour the beauty of autumn.

A flower decoration for China's 76th National Day, themed ‘Carry on the Past and Open Up the Future.

The week-long holiday has sparked a surge in both domestic and international travel. At a press conference on Sept 30, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun noted that Golden Week is an opportunity for more foreign visitors to take advantage of China’s visa-free entry policies and experience the ‘Land of the Great Wall’.

In the lead-up to the celebrations, Chinese media were filled with travel forecasts. On Sept 28, Vice Minister of Transport Li Yang announced that China was expecting around 2.36 billion passenger trips nationwide during the eight-day break. He also projected a daily average of 295 million trips, reflecting a 3.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Flower decoration along a Beijing street.

On eve of the holiday, I even received an SMS alert from the Beijing Municipal Transportation Commission, warning of heavy passenger flows at railway stations and airports, as well as potential congestion on nearby roads. The message advised travellers to plan their journeys wisely.

Encouraged by the festive spirit, several CIPCC participants and I set our early on Oct 1 to witness the celebrations firsthand. Leaving our diplomatic residence at 7 am, we enjoyed a refreshing morning walk under clear blue skies and golden sunlight. Residents were out exercising, families were preparing for trips, and traffic was lighter than usual, making the stroll especially pleasant.

As we approached Tian’anmen Square, the crowds grew larger. Vendors sold Chinese flags, and at the centre of the square stood a magnificent 18-metre-high floral basket, a seasonal decoration for National Day. The festive atmosphere was enriched by the presence of many foreign tourists.

We also ventured into part of the Palace Museum (Forbidden City), where throngs of visitors – both local and international – explored its historic grounds. Young Chinese dressed in traditional attire posed for photographs, reflecting a growing cultural pride. On our way back, we passed through Wangfujing, Beijing’s bustling shopping district, lined with tea shops, street food stalls, and vibrant malls. We returned to our residence by noon, content and grateful for the experience.

With Golden Week coinciding with the arrival of autumn, I look forward to creating more beautiful memories in China. Beyond sightseeing, many CIPCC participants also used the holiday to prepare for the coming cold season, stocking up on essentials for winter.

A youth in traditional outfit snapping a picture at a spot at the Palace Museum on Oct 1.

Happy 76th Birthday, China! May you continue to prosper and flourish in peace and harmony.

-- BERNAMA

Rohani Mohd Ibrahim, a journalist with BERNAMA, is currently in Beijing to attend the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme from 18 August to 15 December 2025.

The initiative, organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA), serves as a platform for practical cooperation between Chinese media organisations and those from emerging markets and developing economies.

The programme also provides foreign journalists with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China’s society, development and international engagement.

This marks BERNAMA’s eighth participation in the CIPCC programme since 2018.