Start of National Day break moved for first time
The mainland yesterday began the week-long National Day holiday in a mixed mood after the triumphant return of the country's third manned space flight and a snowballing tainted-milk scandal that has affected more than 50,000 children.
For the first time, the official beginning of the holiday was moved from the actual date when the People's Republic of China marks the anniversary of its founding, on October 1.
China's three Shenzhou VII astronauts were welcomed as heroes on their return to Beijing yesterday, and Premier Wen Jiabao said at a reception in the capital that the mission was a 'monumental achievement'. Newspapers and television broadcasts gave blanket coverage to Sunday's return of the crew.
Patriotism also reigned at an awards ceremony yesterday for people who made contributions to the Olympics and the Paralympics. President Hu Jintao said the hosting of the events showed nothing less than China's ability to make contributions to human civilisation.
Downplayed were continuing concerns from parents regarding milk, dairy products and food tainted by the industrial chemical melamine. Xinhua said more than 750 samples of milk were found to be pure after testing. State media typically uses National Day to highlight the achievements of the government, including an increased supply of food.
China shortened the Labour Day and the Lunar New Year holidays starting from this year, but the National Day break remained at seven days, as the government ordered people to work last weekend in order to 'borrow' two days to extend the holiday, which will let them return to work next Monday. The change has caused confusion and irritation among some travellers, who made their plans months in advance.
