October 1st marks 60 years of communist rule in China, and the population has been hard at work preparing for the grand occasion that is “National Day”. Elaborate military parade and performances involving 200,000 people are to be expected in the city of Beijing, with 60 floats on show, and fireworks, lots of fireworks.
The Big Picture takes a look at the preparations and we sampled a few images.
The National Grand Theatre stands surrounded by water in central Beijing September 17, 2009. The theatre is lit by coloured lights in preparation to celebrate China’s National Day in October.
Chinese military vehicles are parked on Changan Ave. near Tiananmen Square during a rehearsal for a ceremony marking China’s 60th anniversary in Beijing, China, on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009.
Participants stand in form in a boulevard leading to Tiananmen Square in Beijing during a rehearsal for the 60th anniversary parade August 29, 2009.
Chinese hairdresser Huang Xin works on his latest art piece, a replica of The National museum of China, made from human hair, at his barbershop in Beijing September 9, 2009.
Policewomen on horseback stand guard in a line outside the World Expo Center, in China’s port city Dalian September 11, 2009.
See the full set (37 photos) at The Big Picture.
FYI: the sale of knives has been banned for October 1st, so take care not to lose it. You won’t find a replacement at the local hypermarket, not even Wal-Mart.
Update: And here is The Big Picture’s piece on the celebration itself.