China will put missiles and models of the country's first atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb on show in Beijing at an exhibition to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

"The exhibition, which begins next Monday and is free of charge, showcases the development of the PLA and its contribution to national security and world peace," said Guo Dehe, curator of the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, the display venue in Beijing.

Advanced military weaponry will be on display, including new types of ground-to-ground missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, fighter aircraft and new logistic outfits, said Guo.

Other attractions on display include a punchbag pummeled by late chairman Mao Zedong when he watched a military competition, a hand calculator used in research for the first atomic bomb, the first national and army flags raised by the PLA Hong Kong and Macau troops and items belonging to army martyrs and heroes.

Guo said the exhibition would simulate such scenes as the big Yangtze River floods in 1998 when PLA soldiers rolled up their sleeves to help victims out.

Visitors can experience driving warships and tanks at the exhibition which runs from July 16 to August 20 and displays a total of 970 pictures and 1,750 army exhibits on a total area of 6,540 square meters.

August 1 this year marks the PLA's 80th anniversary.

(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2007)