National Day 2019 was a time for celebrating in China [Photo by Bruce Connolly/chinadaily.com.cn]

From my hotel room, high up above the Haihe River, there were superb views of downtown buildings. Many were lit up with digital images, messages and iconic symbols conveying the spirit of not only National Day, but the special significance of this 70th year for China. Along the riverside, strips of lights changed color. Indeed some evenings I would sit at my window totally transfixed with what was turning out to be an incredible visual performance.