When it comes to National Day, Baotou residents enjoy a double celebration! On one hand, steel tanks built by a local machinery plant roll through Tiananmen Square as a tribute to the nation; on the other, fireworks and festivities light up local landmarks like the First Cultural Palace and Saihantala. Today, we take a look back at Baotou’s National Day moments over the years.
1959 | 10th Anniversary of the Founding of New China | Baotou’s military industry debuts at Tiananmen
During the 10th anniversary National Day parade, 32 domestically produced medium tanks manufactured by Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group appeared at Tiananmen Square. These were the famous Type 59 medium tanks, China’s first generation of domestically made main battle tanks, ending the era when China could not produce its own tanks. This marked the first time “Made in Baotou” tanks appeared on the National Day parade ground and the starting point for the localization of domestic tanks. Baotou’s hardcore legend began here.
1984 | 35th Anniversary of the Founding of New China | Baotou’s military industry in the early reform and opening-up period
At the grand parade after reform and opening up, the Type 79 main battle tank developed by Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group made its debut, with performance reaching the level of second-generation international main battle tanks. The iron tide rolled on, showcasing Baotou’s manufacturing as the nation strode forward in modernization.
1999 | 50th Anniversary of the Founding of New China | Third-generation main battle equipment reviewed
During the 50th anniversary National Day parade, a phalanx of third-generation main battle tanks produced by Inner Mongolia First Machinery Group rolled through the square. Baotou presented multiple new tank models to the nation, the most striking being the Type 99 main battle tank, which achieved comprehensive development in firepower, mobility, protection, and information capability, marking China’s main battle tank technology entering the world’s advanced ranks. Baotou’s heavy equipment stood firmly on the parade stage.
2019 | 70th Anniversary of the Founding of New China | Type 99A, the king of land warfare
The highlight of the 70th anniversary parade arrived as the Type 99A main battle tank, produced in Baotou, took the stage. It was then the most advanced main battle tank in China and the country’s first fully informationized main battle tank, capable of battlefield situational awareness, information sharing, and coordinated operations. Though not its first appearance, it still delivered the shock of a steel behemoth to the world. This was Baotou’s answer to the nation.
2024 | National Day | Baotou launches citywide cultural and tourism celebrations
Street concerts and children’s performances took turns at the First Cultural Palace square, while red song events buzzed in commercial districts and the Yellow River Scenic Park. During the holiday, Baotou received 2.0768 million visitors; the square in front of Baotou Railway Station was upgraded and completed, adorned with National Day themes, as the whole city immersed itself in a festive atmosphere.
2025 | National Day | Baotou’s Saihantala hosts an urban Naadam
On National Day, at Saihantala Urban Grassland, the Darhan Muminggan United Banner Urban Naadam officially opened! Wrestling, archery, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, and Ulan Muqir performances gathered on Asia’s largest urban grassland, drawing attention from People’s Daily Online and Xinhua Net. The Shimen Scenic Area chrysanthemum exhibition and Baotou Amusement Park carnival also opened simultaneously, with over 600 special events staged across the city, celebrating the nation’s birthday with both grassland and city.
On one side, heavy national equipment guards the land; on the other, grassland songs and fireworks fill the city. This is Baotou’s National Day—both hardcore and gentle. This National Day, let’s bless the motherland and fall in love with Baotou! Feel free to share in the comments your most unforgettable National Day scene in Baotou.