CRI听力:China Holds National Day Rehearsal Parade

The first rehearsal for the grand parade to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China, began at 3am on Saturday and will go on until 2am on Sunday.

The celeberation will be held on National Day which falls on October 1st.

Tian'anmen Square, in central Beijing, and the major roads nearby are off limits to the public from Friday night to early morning on Sunday.

The Beijing Municipal government says the rehearsal involves about 200,000 people and 60 floats.

As for the inconvenience in traffic brought about by the rehearsal, a taxi driver says the passengers are showing their understanding.

"The passengers are all showing their understanding of the traffic control. After all, the 60th National Day celebration is a big event in China."

The authorities have also arranged for guides to provide help to passers by and tourists as some roads have been blocked off.

A tourist says she will comply with the restrictions.

"I will comply with the traffic control. As a Chinese, I am very happy that the 60th anniversary celebration is drawing near."

In the meantime, police forces across China have been mobilized to ensure the celebrations proceed safely and smoothly. The Beijing police authority says more than 7,000 police officers and militia members are on patrol in the capital.

In Beijing, security has been tightened with police diverting traffic and checking vehicles at checkpoints.

Zhang Jing, a police officer in Beijing says the police are increasing inspection of non-Beijing vehicles.

"Non-Beijing drivers should prepare their driving license and Beijing Entry Certificate in advance for inspection so that we can improve the efficiency."

Also, Beijing's meteorological authorities will be ready to disperse any rain clouds that threaten to interrupt the celebrations.

The rehearsals include a military parade, a pageant and a night gala.

WL CRI News.