Today marks the 100th Anniversary of Double 10, which celebrates the Wuchang Uprising in the city of Guangzhou, China, on 10 October 1911.
It is one of the most significant dates in the history of Modern China.
The Wuchang Uprising led to the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China, which was proclaimed on 1 January 1912.
The rebellion was led by Dr Sun Yat-sen (pictured left), who is revered on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. He is considered by Nationalists and Communists alike to be the Father of Modern China.
People's Republic of China
After the Chinese Nationalists lost control of the mainland in 1949, the People's Republic of China was founded, and Beijing was made the national capital. The government of the Republic of China, meanwhile, was moved to Taiwan, and the capital was established in Taipei, its largest city.
Double Ten is celebrated in Taiwan as a national holiday. The festivities begin with the raising of the flag of the Republic of China in front of the Presidential Palace in Taipei. This is followed by the singing of San Min Zhu Yi, or the national anthem. Depending on the political climate, a military parade follows.
Spectacular fireworks displays light up the skies over major cities all over the island. Double Ten is also celebrated in cities with well established Overseas Chinese communities such as San Francisco, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Chicago, Illinois.