Official Palette
Symbolism
Red represents the communist revolution. The large star represents the Communist Party of China. The four smaller stars represent the four social classes (the working class, the peasantry, the urban petite bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie) united under the party.
History
Designed by Zeng Liansong, a citizen from Zhejiang. It was officially adopted on September 27, 1949, and first raised by Mao Zedong in Tiananmen Square on October 1, 1949.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. A red field with one large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller ones arranged in an arc pointing toward the large star in the canton.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 1.41B
28% of Asia
- Capital
- Beijing
- Languages
- Chinese
- Continent
- Asia
- Subregion
- East Asia
- Landlocked
- No
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- CN
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- September 27, 1949
- Designer
- Zeng Liansong
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 2
- Key Symbols
- Stars
Influences
Lookalike Comparison
Side-by-side analysis of high-confusion flags, comparing exact color shades, proportions, and historical divergence.
Direct Lookalike Comparison
Quick Tell
China has one large star and four small stars; Vietnam has one centered star.
Historical Divergence
China adopted its flag on September 27, 1949. Vietnam adopted the single star on November 30, 1955.
Flags with resemblance
Both are red with a yellow star. China adds four small stars in the canton; Vietnam has one centered star.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The four smaller stars must be arranged in an arc pointing toward the large star
- Must be treated with highest honor as a symbol of the People's Republic
Practice
Think you know the flags of Asia? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.