The mass parade in Tian'anmen Square was a centerpiece of the National Day celebrations, marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The parade told the stories that made today's China, and demonstrated the faith, confidence and trust that the Chinese people of all ethnic groups have in the country.

National rejuvenation

National rejuvenation was first emphasized during the third part of the mass parade, highlighting the theme of "jointly building the Chinese Dream."

Democracy and the rule of law

The float carrying a sculpture representing the Constitution of China highlighted the importance of democracy and the rule of law.

The Constitution of China was adopted on December 4, 1982, based on a previous version enacted in 1954.

The National People's Congress (NPC) — China's top legislature — holds its annual session every March. A total of 2,975 deputies attended the second session of the 13th NPC this year. They filed 491 proposals and 8,000 items of suggestions to the secretariat of the session.

Ethnic unity was another theme stressed by a float which was decorated with a sculpture of a pomegranate tree, representing the togetherness of the country.

China has 56 ethnic groups, and they are all part of the big family of the Chinese nation.

Ethnic minorities and areas inhabited by ethnic groups have witnessed rapid economic and social development. In 2017, the eight multi-ethnic regions or provinces saw their investment in fixed assets grow by 11.8 percent, 4.6 percent higher than the national average.

Xi Jinping's "Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" was also emphasized. 

In seeking to provide a clear definition of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has put forward a series of new concepts, ideas, and strategies on governance. 

Belt and Road Initiative

The parade formation of Chinese and foreign youths reflected the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the idea of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The BRI was proposed by Xi in 2013, and after years of unremitting efforts, the initiative has developed from a concept into a key platform for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

A World Bank report earlier this year showed that BRI transport infastructure projects had increased GDP for BRI economies by up to 3.35 percent. The report also showed that BRI-related transport projects could increase GDP for non-BRI countries by up to 2.61 percent, and for the world as a whole by up to 2.87 percent.

People across the world are living in a "community of shared future," Xi told the world for the first time in a speech in Moscow on March 23, 2013.

Anti-corruption

Strictly governing the Party was another important theme on display during the parade.  

Since 2012, China has launched a national campaign to crack down on corruption in order to safeguard the public's interests and the political authority of the Party. 

From 2012 to 2018, some 350,000 officials — two percent of cadres at all levels of the government apparatus — were disciplined, according to a statement released by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the CPC. 

The float displaying sculptures of distinguished Party members, such as Jiao Yulu and Kong Fansen aimed to remind the CPC members of the Party's original aspiration and mission, which is to help the Chinese people achieve happiness and to rejuvenate the Chinese nation. 

The last portion of the mass parade highlighted the faith, confidence and determination of the Chinese people to live a better future.

The mass parade, which lasted 65 minutes, was made up of 100,000 people and 70 big floats. 

October 1, 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC. After the military parade and mass parade, celebrations and an evening gala will be held to celebrate National Day.