Shotlist Beijing, China - Jan 1, 2026 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland) 1. Various of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guard of Honor saluting to national flag 2. Various of national flag being raised; soldiers saluting to national flag; crowds singing national anthem 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) spectator, flag-raising ceremony (name not given) (ending with shot 4): "[Watching this flag-raising ceremony on January 1] feels like a fresh start, a new hope for myself. I deliberately wore this coat with the national flag design today. It's a way to say: when you have faith in your heart, the color that defines you must be Chinese red." 4. Chinese national flag pattern on down coat 5. Various of crowds of people 6. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) spectator, flag-raising ceremony (name not given): "Watching the national flag being raised is something every Chinese person has looked forward to since childhood. At this very moment, I'm filled with pride. I hope our country grows stronger and more prosperous." 7. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) spectator, flag-raising ceremony (name not given): "Anyone who shows up for the first flag-raising ceremony of the new year must be someone who loves life, loves Beijing, and loves our country. That's exactly why we're all gathered here today." 8. Crowds shouting New Year wishes Storyline Thousands gathered in the predawn chill of Tiananmen Square to witness Beijing’s first flag-raising ceremony of 2026, many having arrived the night before to secure a view of the annual event. As the square fell silent, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Guard of Honor marched into position with measured precision. The national anthem played as the red flag with five gold stars rose steadily, illuminated by the first golden light of the new year. Though the ceremony lasted only a few minutes, the crowd lingered afterward, with faces of all ages reflecting quiet reverence and hope. "[Watching this flag-raising ceremony on January 1] feels like a fresh start, a new hope for myself. I deliberately wore this coat with the national flag design today. It's a way to say: when you have faith in your heart, the color that defines you must be Chinese red," said a spectator. Many offered their best wishes for the country's prosperity, viewing the moment as a collective embrace of new beginnings. "Watching the national flag being raised is something every Chinese person has looked forward to since childhood. At this very moment, I'm filled with pride. I hope our country grows stronger and more prosperous," said a spectator. "Anyone who shows up for the first flag-raising ceremony of the new year must be someone who loves life, loves Beijing, and loves our country. That's exactly why we're all gathered here today," said another spectator. From the square's solemn atmosphere to every heart's quiet resolve, this New Year's flag raising was a reminder that each personal journey is woven into the nation's ongoing story.