National Day marks 61st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China
The Chinese people have celebrated the National Day of the People’s Republic of China with pride and passion today, with the world’s most populous nation becoming the second-largest economy after 61 years of development and about to launch its second lunar probe, Chang’e 2.
In Beijing more than 150,000 people gathered to watch a grand national flag raising ceremony, and Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders laid flower baskets at the Monument to the People’s Heroes to pay their respects to those who sacrificed for the nation’s independence. In Shanghai, the China National Pavilion Day was celebrated at the World Expo, and many other Chinese cities also organised flag raising functions to mark the National Day. Today is also the first day of the “Golden Week” of the National Day Holiday with millions of people on the move for travels or family reunions.
To find out more and see pictures of the celebrations visit the People’s Daily Online feature 61st Anniversary – The People’s Republic of China.