China’s Five‑star Red Flag (adopted 1 October 1949) shows a large gold star with four smaller stars on a red field. Red symbolises revolution and the people; the large star the Communist Party; the four smaller stars the unity of social groups under Party leadership. A 1949 design contest selected Zeng Liansong’s concept; laws fix a 2:3 ratio, precise star sizes/placement, colour standards, and protocol for display and half‑masting. It replaced imperial and Republican banners at the founding of the PRC.
China’s national flag—the Five‑star Red Flag—was adopted at the foundation of the People’s Republic of China and encodes the new state’s revolutionary ideology in colour and geometry.
Precursors Imperial China employed dynastic standards, notably the Qing yellow dragon flag. The 1912 Republic introduced five horizontal stripes (“Five Races Under One Union”); from 1928, the Nationalist flag (blue sky, white sun canton on red) served until 1949.
Design Contest and Adoption
(1949) In summer 1949, authorities invited public designs. Zeng Liansong’s submission—a red field for revolution, a large gold star for the Communist Party, four smaller stars for the people/social groups—was approved by the CPPCC on 27 September 1949 and raised at Tiananmen on 1 October 1949.
Specifications Statutes define a 2:3 aspect ratio. The large star’s diameter equals three‑tenths of the flag’s height; its centre lies one‑tenth of the height from the hoist and top. The four small stars, each one‑tenth of height in diameter, arc to the fly with a point aimed at the large star’s centre. Official red and gold shades are standardised for production.
Symbolism
and Protocol Red denotes revolution and the people; gold provides contrast and national association. The Party (large star) leads the people (small stars). Protocol regulates respectful raising and lowering, half‑mast for mourning, and display at state buildings, schools, embassies, and on National Day (1 October).
Continuity
and Law The design remains unchanged since 1949. The National Flag Law (1990) and updates govern manufacture, display, and penalties for desecration, ensuring consistency and protection of the emblem.
Role at Home and Abroad The flag functions as a central identity marker in diplomacy, sport, and state ceremony. Its strict geometry and revolutionary iconography make it one of the most codified national flags in use today.