Click for the Grand ceremony

The grand ceremony in honor of the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China began at 10 am in the centre of Beijing on October 1, 2009.

President Hu Jintao, former President Jiang Zemin, Top Legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao, and other top Chinese leaders were at the Tiananmen Gate Tower.

President Hu Jintao reviewed the troops of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from a black, open-roofed Red Flag limousine driving along Changan Avenue.

The military parade involved about 8,000 military personnel marching through Tiananmen Square with perfect precision.

The special operations forces of the PLA, China’s strategic missile forces and the first three-service women formation debuted at the great military parade, showing China’s advancement in national defense.

Led by formations that presented the national flag and national emblem, the civilian parade started with joy and pride. The massive pageant consisted of people from all over the country and from every aspect of society, showing China’s achievements in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The glorious moment of the People’s Republic of China was witnessed by hundreds of thousands of people gathered at Tiananmen Square.

The ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China came to an end around 12:30 pm. A gala and fireworks display will be presented at Tiananmen Square starting around 8 pm Beijing Time this evening.

Story: Huang Lan