The first joint rehearsal for China's National Day celebrations ended early Sunday morning in Beijing, about three weeks ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), which falls on October 1.

The rehearsal began at 11 p.m. Saturday in Tiananmen Square  and involved about 90,000 people.  

Participants were put through their paces for the grand military parade, a mass pageant and performances while the on-site test of the control system for the fireworks display also took place, according to the media center for the anniversary celebrations.

The rehearsal was well organized and reached the expected results, according to the center.

Beijing municipal authorities expressed appreciation of local residents for their understanding and support of the rehearsal.