National Day of the Republic of China

Each year on October 10, Taiwan observes its National Day, widely known as Double Ten Day. The holiday honors the historic uprising that sparked China's transition from empire to republic, with festivities centered in Taipei and celebrated by communities across Taiwan and overseas.

• Flag-raising and anthem at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei
• Fireworks displays light up cities across Taiwan on the evening of October 10
• Military parades sometimes include both armed forces and civil services
• Lion dances and drumming celebrate Chinese and indigenous traditions
• The holiday marks the 1911 revolution that ended imperial rule

What it is

Double Ten Day, Taiwan's National Day, is a patriotic celebration held every October 10. It commemorates the beginning of a revolution in 1911 that ended centuries of imperial rule and paved the way for the founding of the Republic of China. For many in Taiwan, it is a day to reflect on the country's history, its struggles, and its achievements. The holiday brings together people from all walks of life to express national pride and to mark a significant turning point that shaped the identity of the modern state.

Where it comes from

The roots of this holiday trace back to the Wuchang Uprising, which erupted on October 10, 1911. This event was the catalyst for a wider movement that toppled the Qing dynasty, bringing an end to over two millennia of imperial governance in China. The Republic of China was officially established in early 1912. While the day was once observed throughout all of China, after the political shifts of the mid-20th century, the focus of the celebrations moved to Taiwan, where the Republic of China government relocated after 1949.

How it is celebrated

Festivities begin with the national flag being raised in front of the Presidential Office Building, accompanied by the singing of the national anthem. Often, a military parade takes place, featuring troops, bands, and sometimes flyovers by aircraft. The celebration also includes performances that highlight both Han and indigenous Taiwanese cultures, such as lion dances and drumming. Throughout the day, speeches by the president and other leaders are broadcast, and fireworks displays light up the skies in cities across Taiwan. In some years, the parade has included not only military units but also civil services, reflecting the evolving nature of the event. The day is marked by a blend of solemn ceremony and festive public gatherings.

Joining in

Visitors can experience the heart of the celebrations in central Taipei, especially near the Presidential Office Building. Expect large crowds, vibrant cultural shows, and impressive fireworks after dark. While the main events are in Taipei, cities and towns across Taiwan host their own festivities, making it easy to join in wherever you are on the island. The atmosphere is lively, with a strong sense of community and patriotism. If you attend, be prepared for road closures and security checks, especially around major venues.

In the news

• Military holds half-scale National Day aerial rehearsal in TaipeiFocus Taiwan - CNA English News

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article National Day of the Republic of China, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it, and news headlines link to their publishers. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• National Day of the Republic of China on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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