China has held a huge rehearsal gathering in Tian'anmen Square ahead of the country's National Day celebration. The rehearsal early Monday morning included a military parade and a mass pageant that traveled along the city's main thoroughfare of Chang'an Avenue.

The rehearsal began with the military parade on the newly decorated street. Authorities say the two-hour practice focused on coordination among different platoons and cooperation between troops and the other participants. The organizers say the rehearsal was successful and expressed their gratitude to Beijing residents for their support.

(CCTV September 7, 2009)