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China concludes National Day celebration rehearsal

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-30 10:25

The general view of Chang' an Avenue. The widening and resurfacing of Beijing's main road artery, Chang' an Avenue, was officially completed Tuesday, more than a month ahead of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).[Xinhua]

BEIJING: China concluded the first round of rehearsal for the massive National Day celebration in Tian'anmen Square early Sunday morning, one month ahead of the actual show on October 1, the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Starting early Saturday morning, the rehearsal featured a mass pageant involving nearly 200,000 citizens and 60 simulated floats, a gala by around 12,000 performers and a military review.

Related readings:  Beijing marches toward big day with parade rehearsal  Military parade during the founding ceremony of the PRC in 1949  Beijing to issue movie coupons ahead of National Day  1999 National Day military parade

The rehearsal was held at night to avoid affecting the public, said a spokesperson for the 60th National Day celebration preparation committee of the Beijing municipal government.

Witnesses of the rehearsal included central media organizations that were to cover the actual celebration in October.

The rehearsal also attracted a large audience of citizens.