Thousands of pigeons are released into Tiananmen Square in Beijing for China’s National Day celebrations. Reports from multiple outlets say that shortly after the release, many of the birds circle before eventually flying back to their owners.

The articles describe the practice as a recurring annual event tied to the National Day festivities. While each source focuses on the same basic sequence—release at Tiananmen Square, brief circling, and rapid return—there are no major differences in the accounts presented here. The coverage highlights how many of the pigeons appear to navigate back quickly rather than remaining in the area for the duration of the celebrations.

Overall, the outlets align on the scale of the release (“thousands”), the location (Tiananmen Square), the timing (during National Day celebrations), and the observed outcome (many birds fly back to their owners within minutes).