Massive show scheduled for National Day

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-24 16:43

A massive celebration in Tian'anmen Square on Oct 1, at which President Hu Jintao will give a keynote speech, will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the new China.

A military parade and mass pageant will follow, said a spokesperson for the 60th National Day Celebration Preparation Committee of the Beijing municipal government on Monday. Timetable for the celebrations is not yet available.

The military parade will highlight the achievements China has made in its defense sector during the past six decades and showcase its resolution to safeguard world and regional peace and stability.

The mass pageant would involve about 200,000 citizens and 60 floats, themed "Motherland and I Marching Together".

On September 30, the eve of National Day, a huge reception, hosted by the State Council, will be held in the Great Hall of the People.

On the night of October 1, a gala at the Tian'anmen Square is to feature "colorful performances and a splendid fireworks display", with senior party and government leaders present.

From October 1 to 3, major parks in Beijing are to host parties to celebrate National Day.

In addition, an exhibition highlighting China's progress during the past 60 years will be held in the Beijing Exhibition Center near the city zoo over the last two weeks in September.

Also during that time, a grand musical, "Road to Revival", with a cast of about 3,200, will be staged at the Great Hall of the People. It will depict the past 169 years of Chinese history chronologically from the Opium War to the present.

"We will try our best to create a festive environment at an economical cost," said the spokesperson.

The military parade, mass pageant and evening gala will be rehearsed at Tian'anmen Square for several times from August 29 to September 26.

"Preparations are going on smoothly," the spokesperson said. "We will ensure a successful celebration."