China Daily:

The mass pageantry and gala are two important events that attract much of the public's attention at every National Day celebration. So what are the new highlights during this year's mass pageantry and gala events? Thanks.

Guo Weimin:

This question goes to Du Feijin, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee.

Du Feijin:

Thank you for your questions. This year's mass pageantry and gala events are indeed two important parts of the celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which will be presented to the public in a "free, lively, joyous and vivid" way. And the five highlights of the mass pageantry are as follows:

First, the overall design. We made an overall plan to organize the formation and floats, design decorations for the Square, and create music and video for the parade. The parade will focus on the formation and floats, combining their display with music and video, thereby showcasing the integration of art and technology. The core area of Tiananmen Square will be considered as the center of the parade, and every aspect of the parade will be in coordination with each other.

Second, storytelling and an immersive experience. Every formation will present a story. Together, all the stories narrated in time sequence will depict a grand picture of China's progress and development over the past seven decades, recalling the memories with the public.

Third, public participation. Those marching in the parade will include people from all walks of life, such as workers, farmers, teachers, students, doctors and civil servants. This will include groups such as deliverymen, "square dancing" dama (literally translated as middle-aged women) and other new social classes in China. Representatives from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, the overseas Chinese and foreigners will also take part in the parade.

Fourth, the mobile parade floats. The floats will carry portraits and sculptures that are vivid and based on characters who are easy to relate to. The float display will also represent a combination of traditional culture and modern art.

Fifth, decoration for the Square. The sculpture of a red ribbon will be erected on the Tiananmen Square. You may notice that part of the statue has been finished. It signals the "Red Gene" (the CPC's core values) that connects history, the present and future, and represents the path to success under the leadership of the Party. In addition, a total of 70 red lanterns will hang on both sides of the Square. There will also be temporary spectator seats for people to watch the parade at the scene.

For the gala, the highlights are as follows:

First, the theme performance. A total of 3,290 participants will hold hand-held illuminating screens, and use stage props to perform along Chang'an Avenue at the south side of the Jinshui Bridge. The grand show will present China's remarkable changes in the past 70 years, underscoring the fact that the Chinese nation has stood up, grown rich and is becoming strong.

Second, a performance with local characteristics. This performance will be held at the same location as the theme performance. A total of 3,650 people from local folk art troupes will take part in this event and perform 40 songs that are familiar to and favored by the public. In addition, we will invite musicians to write song cycles to tell stories of the Chinese people and express their best wishes for the country in a new era.

Third, the public performance. A total of 10 sections will be set up on the east and west sides of the theme performance area, where songs and dances will be performed to present China's social and economic progress, people's livelihood, ecological protection, beautiful villages and other developments, showing the patriotism of people.

Fourth, the fireworks show. Fireworks will also be set off to brighten the night-time sky on National Day. They will have a variety of shapes at different altitudes, bringing festive charm to the celebration. 

All the four performances and shows are integrated, forming a seamless unity and together presenting a grand gala that will be enjoyed by the public.

The gala also has two characteristics:

First, public participation. The actors performing at the gala are all ordinary people from all walks of life, and include no professional singers and dancers. All the songs and dances are performed by the people participating in the parade, representing the principle of public participation.

Second, we will put into practice the concept of "Lighting up" and "Moving up" with a "Three-dimensional Effect." We will improve the lighting of the buildings near Tian'anmen Square, including the Tian'anmen Rostrum, the National Museum, the Great Hall of the People, and the Zhengyangmen Gate Tower. Second, we will set up spectator seats and stage props to present the show in a multi-dimensional way. Last, the performances will focus on interacting with audiences at the events, in a bid to liven people up and present a grand and magnificent National Day celebration gala.