BEIJING ~ Millions of Chinese began a week-long National Day holiday on Monday, packing rail stations and airports as tens of thousands flocked to Tiananmen Square and other major tourist sites.

Up to 150 million people are expected to travel this week, according to police estimates, boosting consumption and filling hotels and restaurants as the nation celebrates the 58th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

More than 100,000 people gathered on Tiananmen Square in central Beijing early on Monday morning for the flag-raising ceremony, the Xinhua news agency said, while at least that many remained on the square throughout the day.