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BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Civilian formations marched in Tian'anmen Square as another centerpiece of the National Day fete marking the 60th birthday of the People's Republic of China.
The phalanx of national flag receives inspection in a parade of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, on Chang'an Street in central Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2009.
Leading the mass pageant was the formation presenting the national flag and national emblem. A total of 1,949 young men held up and escorted the flag, the largest-yet displayed during China's national day parades in Tian'anmen. The flag weighs about 150 kilograms and covers nearly 600 square meters, bigger than a basketball court.
In succession, four giant portraits of late Chinese leader Chairman Mao Zedong, chief architect of China's economic reform Deng Xiaoping, former President Jiang Zemin and incumbent Hu Jintao, were carried through the square escorted by some 36,000 paraders.
Their voice recorded at significant historical moments, from Mao's proclamation of the founding of the central government to Hu's calling for the building of a comprehensive well-off society, was replayed during the procession, illustrating their outstanding leadership and wisdom.
On the opposite of the square was a newly erected portrait of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a forerunner of the Chinese democratic revolution.
Following the portrait phalanxes, or the first chapter of the civilian pageant, were 43,000 people from all walks of life and 19floats, featuring China's achievements ranging from agriculture, industry to democracy, space program, education, science and sports.
Earth-shaking changes have taken place, especially since China implemented the reform and opening-up drive.
The agriculture formation reflected China's highly improved grain production capacity that feeds the 1.3 billion population. China has become the world's top producers of various kinds of farm products, with grain output hitting 528 million tonnes and poultry production topping 72.80 million tonnes in 2008.
The industry formation reminded people of how the moribund industrial sector survived the disastrous Cultural Revolution era and transformed into a powerful production force, that finally turned China in to the world's workshop. The county, which had to import even a box of match 60 years ago, is exporting goods from lighters to satellites to more than 200 countries in the world.
Trailing after were formations featuring China's pursuit of clean energy and increasing efforts in environmental protection. Floats carrying sculptures of trains, airplanes and automobiles revealed the country's expanding traffic infrastructure and increasing demand for renewable energy to prevent severe environmental degradation.
Paraders dressed in dark blue working uniforms along with a float carrying a domestically- built rocket and a huge terrestrial globe was in the formation illustrating China's ambitious space program.
China's first space walker Zhai Zhigang showed up on a float along with four other colleagues who have entered space aboard Shenzhou series of spaceships.
Students from various universities, sports stars including famous hurdler Liu Xiang, legendary gymnast Li Ning and gold medalists of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, were among some other formations, showcasing the achievements in education and sports.
The procession also recalled people's sadness about the devastating floods in 1998 and the 8-magnitude earthquake that mainly hit Sichuan Province last year, but also highlighted Chinese people's indomitable spirit in overcoming difficulties.
A total of 8,500 paraders and 34 floats then filed along Chang'an Avenue, featuring the accomplishments and unique character of 31 mainland regions and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
The Taiwan float, carrying some sculptures of landmark constructions and two miniature airplanes flying from each side of a rainbow, highlighted the improved cross-Strait relations between the Chinese mainland and the island, which began direct air and sea transport links and postal services at the end of last year.
In the final part of the civilian pageant, the Chapter of the Future, thousands of children and Young Pioneers and a simulated boat passed the Tian'anmen Rostrum, conveying the message that children are the future of the country and will carry on the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Balloons are released aloft on the Tian'anmen Square in the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, in central Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 1, 2009.
With 60,000 doves of peace and numerous colored balloons released into the sky, the children paraders surged toward the Golden Water Bridge at the north of Tian'anmen Square, bringing the parade to a climax.
The vast square turned into a sea of color and joy. State leaders standing on the Tian'anmen Rostrum waved greetings to the cheering audience and performers in the square.
With 60,000 peaceful doves and numerous colored balloons released into sky, 5,000 children paraders surged Thursday onto the Golden Water Bridge in front of Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, Oct. 1, 2009.
In the part, a parade of 4,000 children along with a ship-shaped float, a drum and bulge troupe consisting of 1,600 Young Pioneers and a parade of 2,000 Young Pioneers passed the Tian'anmen Rostrum.
Apart from the military parade and the mass pageant, festivities in celebration of the National Day anniversary also include a grand party with fireworks display on Tian'anmen Square Thursday night.
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