Fourteen of the 56 columns representing China's ethnic groups, have been installed in Beijing's eastern Tian'anmen Square. The remaining 42 columns will be installed within a few days, and be ready for the upcoming National Day celebration.

The column is over 13 meters high, with a cement base and steel cylinder. The base designs are identical to the columns used at the Great Hall of the People. The columns are decorated with China's ethnic minorities in their traditional clothing. 20 vehicles finished the installation of the 14 columns in about 8 hours.

Fu Shigui, project supervisor, said, "It is hard for us to locate the exact position, we drew a straight line first, and then we must get them lined up."

A local resident said, "I just came back from Japan, and it is very exciting to see this. It's spectacular."