This article is about the flags used by various Chinese regimes. For the flags used in the Taiwan Area controlled by the Republic of China, see List of Taiwanese flags. For the current flag of the People's Republic of China, see Flag of China. For the current flag of the Republic of China, see Flag of the Republic of China.
A white, five-petal Bauhinia blakeana on a red field with 1 star on each of the petals. The Chinese name of Bauhinia × blakeana has also been frequently shortened as 紫荊/紫荆 (洋yáng means "foreign" in Chinese, and this would be deemed inappropriate by the PRC government), although 紫荊/紫荆 refers to another genus called Cercis. A statue of the plant has been erected in Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong.
Bicolor flag in red and blue with the badge of the China Fire and Rescue Service at the top and the bilingual text "Flag of China Fire and Rescue" at the bottom.
Flag of Inner-Mongolian Autonomous Government [15]
A red five-pointed star above a hoe and a horse pole that are crossed, symbolizing the unity of farmers and herdsmen in Inner Mongolia to for equal autonomy under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.
In July 1949, a contest was announced for a national flag for the newly founded People's Republic of China (PRC). From a total of about 3,000 proposed designs, 38 finalists were chosen. In September, the current flag, submitted by Zeng Liansong, was officially adopted, with the hammer and sickle removed.[19]
A red star and hammer and sickle along with Chinese characters for "Chinese Communists" (Zhonggong, 中共) written in classical word order, i.e., read from the right.
Same as the 1928 version, but the left side reads "工農革命軍" (China Workers'/Peasants' Revolutionary Army). Divisions were added, for example "第二軍第一師" (Second Army, 1st Division).
Same as 1934 version but with blank white left side and colored fringe around the edges (6 variants – red for infantry, yellow for cavalry, black for artillery, white for engineering, blue for logistics, green for medical).
Commonly known as "Taiwan". A red field, with a blue canton containing a 12-ray white sun. This flag flew over mainland China until 1949, and is presently flown on the island of Taiwan and other islands under the control of the ROC. This flag can sometimes be seen in Mainland China, for historical and unofficial use.
1950–present
Flag of the Republic of China (vertical)
Vertical red banner; in the canton, a Blue Sky with a White Sun pointing upward on a blue field.
Used by the Japanese puppet rebel government until 1943 when the pennant was removed and the regular ROC flag took its place. The pennant reads "Peace, Anti-Communism, National Construction".
1940–1943
Flag of the Reorganized National Government of the Republic of China.
Used by the Japanese puppet rebel government until 1943 when the pennant was removed and the regular ROC flag took its place. The pennant reads "Peace, Anti-Communism".
1940–1943
Flag of the Reorganized National Government of the Republic of China.
Used by the Japanese puppet rebel government until 1943 when the pennant was removed and the regular ROC flag took its place. The pennant reads "Peace, National Construction".
Previously used as flag of the Inspector-General of Customs during 1929–50. Green background with yellow saltire superimposed by "Blue Sky with a White Sun" flag.
Four serrated yellow stripes are added to the flag of the Republic of China for use as a yacht club ensign. Previously used as civil ensign during 1928–66.
1966–present
Yacht Club Burgee of the Republic of China
The Blue Sky with a White Sun in a burgee (pennant) form.
As of 18 November 1997, the Chinese Government banned localities from making and using local flags and emblems.[29] Despite the ban, some cities have adopted their own flag that often includes their local emblem as shown below. The ROC-controlled areas continues to use the respective flags.
The flag features the former city emblem which consists of two intersecting red circles which represent the harmony of sun and moon, as well as western and eastern ideas. In the middle is a golden stylized symbol of a 市 character.
1981–2010
Old flag of Taipei City
Previous flag used by Taipei City, with its seal on top of 16 horizontal stripes of white and blue.
The "Lily Flag" composed of three colors: red, yellow and green, representing hope, love and peace. The lilies and eagle feathers represent the purity and fairness of the Rukai tribe, was designed by Jin Shaohua.[34]
The Eight Banners was created in the early 17th century by Nurhaci to unify the Jurchen people into the Manchu dynasty. The first three banners were under the direct command of the Emperor himself.
Flag used by the Yihetuan during the Boxer Rebellion. A red flag with a black square with a red inscribed 令 character, inspired by the flag of the Black Flag Army.
Flag of the Black Flag Army, a Chinese-Vietnamese army and guerrilla force that fought against the French in the Sino-French War. A black flag with a white 令 character.
Flag of the Zheltuga Republic as seen on the photograph and as written in the description ("black and yellow" flag "symbolizing the union of land and gold".
Reputedly the flag of the Chinese pirate Shap-ng-tsai or decoration confused with the ensign.
The flag is painted with a depiction of Zhang Daoling (34–156 AD), founder of Daoism as a religion in China. He is seated on a rock holding a Bagua (a symbol of Daoism) with a tiger or qilin behind him. A border of bats runs down the fly edge (a symbol of good luck).[41]
Reconstruction of the flag of the Mongol United Autonomous Government based on The Airpost Journal's description. It mentions "a square of horizontal red, yellow, white and black stripes".[42]
A combination with the flag of Manchukuo at the top and the flag of Soviet Union at the bottom.
1928–1932
A combination with the Flag of the Republic of China at the top and the flag of Soviet Union at the bottom.
1925–1928
A combination with the Five Races Under One Union flag at the top and the flag of Soviet Union at the bottom.
1915–1925
A combination of the triangular version of the Five Races Under One Union flag and the flag of Russia, with the text "East Provinces' Railway Company of China" in Chinese.
1897–1915
A combination of the triangular version of the flag of the Qing dynasty and the flag of Russia, with the text "East Provinces' Railway of Great Qing" in Chinese.
This is a list of incorrect or fictitious flags which have been reported on as being factual and/or historical flags by contemporary or otherwise reputable sources or popularized on the Internet.
Flag
Date
Use
Description
Mistakes in historical sources
19th century
Incorrect image of the Qing flag in the Western publication.
The dragon bears a resemblance to the one on the Flag of Wales.
Erroneous flag appearing in a postcard published by Parliamentary Secretary Yin of the Jitong Defense Joint Self-Government in Hebei. The blue and yellow banners are switched due to erroneous coloring. Identical to Provincial Commander-in-Chief of Beiyang Fleet flag.
Flag of the Zhuang people. The project was created by Leonardo Piccioni de Almeida and gained some popularity among Internet users criticizing the PRC. PRC law does not allow the use of cultural flags. Some websites use this flag to represent the Zhuang language.
Flag of the Yi people. The project was created by Leonardo Piccioni de Almeida and gained some popularity among Internet users criticizing the PRC. PRC law does not allow the use of cultural flags. Some websites use this flag to represent the Yi language.
21st century
Flag of the Salar people. Tamga of the Salur tribe is actually used, but there is no evidence that it is used as a flag. PRC law does not allow the use of cultural flags. Some websites use this flag to represent the Salar language.