A grand youth flag-raising ceremony was held at Century Square in the Pudong New Area on October 1, the Nation Day.
Hosted by the Shanghai Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, the patriotic event gathered about 300 participants, including young league members, young pioneers and government representatives. It featured flag-raising rituals, immersive theatrical performances and inspirational youth speeches to promote patriotism and inherit revolutionary traditions.
The solemn ceremony began at 9am. As the national anthem played, the five-star red flag rose slowly, with all attendees standing in silent salute.
Following the flag-raising session, an original immersive drama took the stage. Inspired by a student's question about the significance of the Long March for modern youth, the production presented cross-time dialogues between revolutionary predecessors and contemporary youngsters. It replicated touching historical scenes, including Red Army soldiers' selfless dedication on the Songpan Grassland, young Shanghai volunteers devoting themselves to borderland construction, and pioneering developers striving for Pudong's reform and opening-up.
Five outstanding young speakers from diverse fields including award-winning young role models and young pioneer interpreters shared personal growth stories and contemporary aspirations. Their speeches echoed a unified youthful resolve to take on responsibilities for China's modernization drive in the new era.
Through 2026, nearly 70 themed activities under the city's "Growing Under the National Flag" campaign have been organized across Shanghai. The event encourages Shanghai's young generation to carry forward heritage, uphold historical missions and fulfill responsibilities in advancing Chinese modernization.
