National Day celebration details unveiled

Fireworks light up the sky in Beijing, on Sept 23, 2019. [Photo/IC]

Around 100,000 people and 70 parade floats will pass Tian'anmen Square on China's 70th birthday on Tuesday to showcase the nation's socioeconomic accomplishments, Zhang Ge, executive manager of the event, said on Wednesday.

The parade, using the theme "Jointly Building the Chinese Dream", will feature 36 formations and is divided into three main parts: the nation's founding, reform and opening-up and great rejuvenation, he said. It will last around 65 minutes.

More than 400 people from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Chinese compatriots from overseas and foreign friends will also participate in the parade, Zhang said.

"Many of them had to fly in to take part in the rehearsal. This shows their great love for China and its people, and we are very moved," he said.

Tian'anmen Square has been decorated with two giant red ribbons and 70 red lanterns, signifying the passing down of China's honorable traditions to future generations. Around 70,000 doves and 70,000 colored balloons will be released during the parade, he added.

The march will focus on demonstrating the historic accomplishments and changes achieved since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, as well as how the Party has united and inspired the people to make great progress and pursue a glorious future.

Xiao Xiangrong, chief director of the parade, said they hope to turn the event into "a flowing historical epic about China's rise from humble beginnings to being rich and powerful".

This year's performance aims to be more vivid and lively, with greater emphasis on improvisation and "letting people from various professions and walks of life tell their own unique stories", he said.

For example, some formations will focus on farmers, factory workers, students, delivery workers and others. "We want our performers to display genuine emotions and voice their true feelings for the motherland."

Zhang said the organizers of the parade have been moved by the genuine love for the country and Party shown by the performers. "They embody the true spirit of being free, vivid, jovial and lively, and this encourages us greatly."

At 8 pm on Tuesday, China will host a grand evening gala at Tian'anmen Square with theme performances, shows and fireworks, lasting around 90 minutes, said Pang Wei, executive deputy minister of the gala's organization department.

The theme performances are in four sections, including Ode to the Red Flag, We Walk on the Great Road, On the Field of Hope and Lead the New Era. Around 3,290 people will participate in the performance, which aims to present China's rise, she said.

The featured show also has four parts: The Great People and Their Magnificent Homeland, Jubilant People and Beautiful Landscape, New Era in a Brand-New World and Shared Happiness and Common Aspirations. Around 3,650 people will showcase unique cultural heritages from all around China, and up to 40 classic and beloved songs will be performed.

Xiong Zhuo, executive manager for volunteers, said more than 160,000 volunteers have joined to assist the nation's celebration, 10,000 of which are directly involved in the parade and the grand evening gala.

Most of the parade volunteers are young people aged 19 to 30, including many celebrities and influencers. "The smile of volunteers is the best business card for Beijing," Xiong said.

Huang Cheng, a representative of the volunteers, said she and other volunteers have been drilled extensively and are ready to help in the national celebration.

"We are very honored to be volunteering for this historic event," she said. "Although each of us is only responsible for a small task, it still constitutes a contribution to the overall success and glory of the nation, so all volunteers have been diligent and willing to do our jobs."