According to the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on the National Flag” promulgated in 1990, “No damaged, defiled, faded or substandard National Flag shall be displayed. When hoisted, the National Flag must reach the peak of the staff; when lowered, it may not touch the ground.” Therefore, the soldiers of the National Flag Raising Squad have well-practiced skills of raising and lowering the flag in order to ensure the flag is not damaged or blemished.

The National Flag currently hoisted in Tian'anmen Square changes every day and a new flag is used during special holidays. Even if the flag is not damaged or faded, it cannot fly for more than 10 days. It is estimated that more than 4,000 flags have been hoisted in Tian'anmen Square since the foundation of the PRC. As for the old flags, the Management Committee of Tian'anmen District is responsible of keeping them, but the ones which have played an important part in significant activities are specially stored by relevant administrations or organizations. For example, the National Flag used in the founding ceremony of the PRC is kept in the Revolution Museum of China as a state-level cultural relic.

Editor: Yan Fei