Decoding the 'digital code' of layout of Tiananmen Square for V-Day commemorative ceremony
By , He Zhuoqian and Fan Wei Published: Sep 01, 2025 11:08 PM
According to the relevant staff, the overall layout of the Tiananmen Square for V-Day commemorative ceremony is about to be successfully completed. Photo: Cao Siqi/GT
The commemorative activities marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War are approaching. Currently, the setup work at Tiananmen Square is nearing completion. On Monday, the Global Times reporters visited the core area of the commemorative activities at Tiananmen Square and observed that the laying of the red carpet in the core area was in progress. Relevant staff members said in an interview with the Global Times that the overall preparation of the square will be completed soon.
"The viewing platform in the square is shaped like Chinese character of '众', symbolizing the concept of 'many people'. The red carpet extending along the central axis leads southward to the year-sign platform 1945-2025, shaped like a steel Great Wall, and then extends to the Monument to the People's Heroes, forming a solemn thread that carries historical memory and national spirit," Tian Zhongli, director in charge of planning and design, command center for service guarantee and square commemorative activities, provided an in-depth interpretation of the profound connotation of the theme "unity is strength" to the Global Times, revealing the "digital codes" hidden in the design and arrangement of this commemorative event, where every detail enhances the sense of ceremony.
The design of the square centers around the character "众" and the character "城" (meaning "city"). This design not only symbolizes that the people are the foundation and lifeblood of the Communist Party of China (CPC), but it also signifies the glorious journey of the Chinese people fighting side by side with the anti-fascist allies and people from around the world who cherish peace under the leadership of the Party, united in their resistance against the enemy, ultimately achieving the great victory in the War of Resistance, Tian explained.
The year-sign platform 1945-2025, shaped like a steel Great Wall Photo: He Zhuoqian/GT
The year-sign platform, the viewing stand, and floral decorations primarily feature gold, red and green as the main color scheme, which harmoniously blend with the architectural style and overall environment surrounding Tiananmen Square, highlighting the solemnity and grandeur of the commemorative ceremony. They also vividly showcase the national spirit centered on patriotism and the great glory of the victory in the War of Resistance.
In the design of the year-sign platform, the details are filled with ingenuity and creativity. "On each side of the year-sign platform, there are 7 model peace doves designed based on the 'Beijing white doves,' which have a round and full body, a gentle and lively appearance, and an elegant and stretched posture when they spread their wings is striking. The 14 peace doves commemorate the 14 years of the arduous and extraordinary War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Moreover, the arrangement of the peace doves extending upward from the bottom symbolizes the continuous upward trajectory and perseverance of the Chinese nation throughout history, explained Tian.
On each side of the year-sign platform, there are 7 model peace doves designed based on the "Beijing white doves." Photo: He Zhuoqian/GT
The Global Times reporters learned that the color scheme of the year-sign platform is also quite meaningful. The transition from "rich shade of gold" at the bottom to "dawn red" at the top enhances the solemn and dignified feeling of the steel Great Wall, a national symbol traditionally associated with defense works and memories of war. This color gradient also subtly conveys a beautiful meaning of moving from historical glory towards future hope.
"Not only that, there are 7 beacon towers on each side of the Great Wall's structure, totaling 14 on both sides; the height of the year-sign platform from the ground to the top is also 14 meters. The number '14' in these designs is all intended to commemorate the magnificent 14-year history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," Tian noted.
According to CCTV News, to allow more people to witness this important moment, over 50,000 people will be able to gather in Tiananmen Square on the day of the parade to experience this solemn moment together.
The seats arrangement of the viewing platform is also thoughtfully designed. "The seats are arranged diagonally around the main aisle, using three colors: rich shade gold, ancient-city-wall red, and olive green. Especially, the ancient-city-wall red complements the 80 red flags and the arrangement of red flowerbeds surrounding the square, creating a visually harmonious unity," said Tian.
In addition, the selection of plants in Tiananmen Square has been carefully considered. Designers told the Global Times that the yellow flowers are cosmos, the red flowers are begonia, dark green plants are green grass and the light green plants are golden-leaved Cuphea. The color combination of these four plants creates a solemn and artistic visual effect.
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