Beijing

On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) at a ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, signaling the victory of the Chinese Communist Party over the Kuomintang in the Chinese Civil War. This marked the start of a new era in Chinese history, ending years of war and division. The ceremony included a military parade and was attended by tens of thousands of people. The event symbolized the beginning of communist rule in China and the country's emergence as a new player on the international stage.

On May 16, 1966, the Cultural Revolution was officially launched by Mao Zedong, the chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, impacting the entirety of China including its capital, Beijing. This socio-political movement aimed to preserve Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. The revolution led to widespread chaos, with intellectuals and perceived enemies of the revolution persecuted. Beijing, as the heart of political power, saw significant cultural, educational, and social upheaval during this period.

On February 21, 1972, U.S. President Richard Nixon visited China, marking the first step in normalizing relations between the two countries. Nixon's visit to Beijing was a strategic move during the Cold War to open dialogue with China, which led to the eventual establishment of diplomatic relations. The visit included meetings with Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. This event was significant because it marked a major shift in the geopolitical landscape, moving relations between China and the United States from confrontation to cooperation.

Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China, died on September 9, 1976, in Beijing. Mao's death marked the end of an era in Chinese political history. As Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party since 1949, Mao led significant events in China's modern history, including the establishment of communist rule and the Cultural Revolution. His death brought about a change in direction for China, with new leaders eventually moving towards economic reforms and opening up to the world, which greatly changed the social and economic landscape.

The Tiananmen Square massacre, also known as the June Fourth Incident in China, occurred on June 4, 1989. Hundreds to thousands of unarmed civilians were killed by the Chinese military in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing. This event followed weeks of peaceful protests by students, intellectuals, and others who were calling for political reform, freedom of speech, and democracy. The Chinese government declared martial law and sent in troops to suppress the protests, resulting in a violent crackdown. Coverage of the event was heavily censored in China, but it was widely reported internationally.

The 11th Asian Games were held in Beijing from September 22 to October 7, 1990. This was the first major multisport event hosted by China. The games featured 6,122 athletes from 37 countries competing in 29 sports. The event was a significant milestone for China, demonstrating its capability to host international sporting events and showcasing its development to the region and the world. It included a grand opening ceremony at Workers' Stadium, and was seen as a precursor to China's future hosting of global events like the Olympics.

On July 13, 2001, the International Olympic Committee announced that Beijing would host the 2008 Summer Olympics. This marked China's debut as the host of the Olympics and was a pivotal moment for the country's global image. The decision followed intense lobbying and promised improvements in human rights. The announcement was celebrated nationwide and seen as a win for China's development and international standing. Beijing's selection was a strategic opportunity to showcase China's cultural heritage and modern advancements to a global audience.

The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, were held in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. The opening ceremony took place at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, and was attended by thousands of spectators, including world leaders and dignitaries. The ceremony was a spectacular display of Chinese culture, history, and technological prowess featuring around 15,000 performers. It was directed by filmmaker Zhang Yimou and widely praised for its stunning visual effects and coordination.

On September 3, 2015, a large military parade took place in Beijing to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, known in China as the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The parade showcased China's military advancements, including new equipment and technologies, as well as the country's resolve to maintain peace. Approximately 12,000 troops participated, and the event highlighted both historical achievements and modern military capabilities. International leaders attended, showcasing China's diplomatic ties.

The opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics was held on February 4, 2022, at the Beijing National Stadium. This made Beijing the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The opening ceremony featured cultural performances, the Parade of Nations, and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. The games emphasized themes of global unity and progress, taking place amidst the COVID-19 pandemic which greatly affected international participation and viewership. Despite these challenges, the ceremony was noted for its artistry and technology.