Young people quick to show their national pride

According to the white paper Youth of China in the New Era released by the State Council Information Office in April, although young Chinese sometimes experience conflicting ideas, they always love the country sincerely and continue to pursue lofty values and ideals.

The document added that young people's pride in the nation increases when they learn about the speed at which it has progressed, the "Chinese miracle", and governance of the nation through vivid examples and objective data showcasing the country's achievements, and through their own experience.

Liu Shuoyang, a professor at Renmin University of China's School of Applied Economics, said different generations carry different responsibilities, but people's patriotic enthusiasm remains unchanged.

"The flag-raising ceremony can bring out and further enforce patriotic enthusiasm in young people, better motivating them to serve the country," said Liu, who recently accompanied a group of students to watch the event.

"Many students have tears in their eyes when they see the national flag being raised. I am sure they feel proud to be Chinese," Liu added.

Cheng, a fourth-year undergraduate student at Sichuan University of Media and Communications in Chengdu, the Sichuan provincial capital, said she and her friends took a trip to Beijing to watch the flag-raising ceremony during the summer break, an event that was on top of their to-do list.

Before traveling to the capital, they read social media posts offering advice on how to secure a good place to watch the ceremony. They decided to arrive in Tian'anmen Square just after midnight on Aug 11, although the ceremony that day was scheduled to begin at 5:22 am.

Cheng was surprised to see that a large crowd of young people had formed a line to watch the ceremony long before she and her friends arrived.

"Some people say the younger generation is less patriotic than the older generation, which has been through tough times and even wars for the country. But it is clear that young people who have grown up witnessing China become a stronger nation are also passionate about the country," she said.