China National Day 2009

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China National Day 2009

Photo taken on Oct. 1, 2009 shows the general view of Tian'anmen in the early morning. China will celebrate on Oct. 1 the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Clean streets replete with national flags, major road intersections adorned with ornate potted plants, Beijing is in gala attire early Thursday for the massive celebration commemorating the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

The event will showcase how the country explores the road of building socialism with Chinese characteristic in the past decades, and what great achievements it has attained.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather on Tian'anmen Square and along Chang'an Avenue in central Beijing for hours to experience the grandiose celebration that will boost their national pride.

Many people may have an early rise Thursday morning to get prepared to watch the much-anticipated military and civilian parade either alongside the parade route or on TV.

Du Jiayuan, a sales manager at a Guangzhou-headquartered leather product company, said he was excited about the celebrations as 60 years mean a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

"The 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is a very important moment. It is a symbol of maturity for both a person and a country."

With the grandiose military parade and massive pageant only hours away, Tian'anmen Square is in full swing to embrace the extravaganza which will add an upbeat note to the anniversary.

At the center of Tian'anmen Square, right next to the Monument to the People's Heroes, two gigantic digital screens are displaying the capital's scenic views and landmark buildings. They are planked with 56 columns, 13meters tall and painted in red and yellow, representing the country's 56 nationalities.

Tens of thousands of colorfully-clad youngsters have gathered at the square to prepare for their performance slated for Thursday morning.

Soldiers for the military parade have arrived at designated rendezvous from suburban military camps and floats for the civilian pageant have also left their camps for Tian'anmen Square.

Flags on Tian'anmen Rostrum flutter in the autumn breeze. Later in the morning, Chinese top leaders, like their predecessors, will be standing on the rostrum and watch the grand show of armed forces and masses.

Municipal authorities exercised traffic control measures along the Chang'an Aveune. Entrances to affected subway stations are locked and taxis are not allowed to operate in the areas cordoned off.