We managed to book reservations for the flag raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square at 6.27am so we have to leave the hotel at 5.50am to make our way there. The walk in -3 degrees in the wee hours on a Thursday December morning was not that far from our hotel, but subject to a few security checks (IDs and bags) along the way. The wait was long and the flag raising did not start until 7.25am, so we had waited for slightly more than an hour.
The contingent marched from building and across the road, where traffic was stopped a few minutes earlier. Once ready, the national anthem was played and the flag was raised, all within minutes. While there were a few foreigners, most were locals and many were elders who make the trip and wait to witness the ceremony. The patriotism is commendable. After the flag raiding ceremony, we proceeded to explore Tiananmen Square. Definitely an experience for those who visit Beijing but do note that online reservation is required.