China Flag

The flag of the People's Republic of China is red with a large gold star and four smaller gold stars designed in a half moon arc toward the middle of the flag. The red in the flag of China symbolizes the spirit of the revolution and the five stars represent the unity of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party.

The large star symbolizes the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the four smaller stars forming the arc symbolizes the four classes of Chinese during Mao Zedong’s leadership over China, the Workers, Peasants, Petty Bourgeoisie (i.e. Small Business Class), and National Bourgeoisie (i.e. Chinese non-governmental businessmen). Many interpret the four stars representing the four occupations most esteemed by the Communist Party of China, farmers, workers, teachers, and soldiers.

In July 1949 the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held a design competition for the national China flag. Zeng Liansong’s design was selected out of more than 3,000 entries as part of that design competition. On October 1, 1949 Mao Zedong raised the newly designed China flag and formally announced the founding of the People’s Republic of China.