Mass pageantry salutes historic development of PRC

There was also a formation paying tribute to the arrival of the 21st century.

Then came a formation surrounding a huge portrait of Hu Jintao and the slogan "Scientific Development."

Chinese communists, with Comrade Hu Jintao as their chief representative, formed the Scientific Outlook on Development, having upheld and developed the socialism with Chinese characteristics at a new historical starting point, the narrator said.

Two following formations paid tribute to solidarity of Chinese people against major natural disasters, and highlighted the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Yang Yong, a parader with the Olympics-themed formation, said the National Day parade and mass pageantry demonstrated the superiority of the socialist system.

"Our country is getting stronger, and our life keeps getting better and better," Yang said.

Meng Qingchao, another parader, said great changes have taken place in China over the past seven decades, and people's livelihoods have improved significantly since the reform and opening-up.