The 60th birthday party thrown for the People’s Republic of China was a massive one: thousands of soldiers marching in perfect unison, tanks, fighter jets; streams of floats celebrating agriculture and scientific progress surrounded by dancers. All the stops were pulled out to make this a grand celebration. China went to war against the smog and gloomy weather that often enshrouds the capital, and they won – the celebration took place under skies so blue that some watching from outside Beijing wondered if they were Photoshopped. Subway lines were commandeered to bring in participants in the parade and security was tighter than during the Olympics. It was a striking display designed for both national and international audiences. Not everyone was gripped by the anniversary ebullience, however – workers grumbled about extended commutes and others wondered if the money spent on the celebrations might not have been better spent on things that more directly benefited society. As always when faced with a tough call… we asked you.

Did China go a little over the top with all 60th anniversary celebrations?

National Day Parade Rehearsal

More photos>>

Perspectives seeks to promote dialogue and cross-cultural understanding by featuring Chinese and foreign responses to a single question. Email us to be added to our weekly question mailing list or to suggest questions of your own and feel free to add your perspective in the comments section below.

Yes, but I'm not surprised. Born and brought up here, I think most of us understand how much it means in our culture to be looking good. I don't agree with most of it, but there're a lot of political subtleties here I'd rather not talk about. I love my country and culture for one true thing, and yet just like many from other countries, sometimes it's not easy to love everything about them.
I / China

No. The communist party loves itself and wants everyone to know how powerful and wealthy it is.
R / US

Since I haven’t been following it I’m not sure. These celebrations will definitely pale in comparison to the 100th anniversary ones. I think it’s generally a good thing, it will comfort people in a time when the economic crisis has many people panicking.
X / China

Yes. It seriously affected the life of normal citizens, for example, the public transportation control.
G / China

Chinese love to over exaggerate, like with the Olympics, so let them do it again at their anniversary
J / Netherlands

I thought it was a surprisingly positive affair. It was nice seeing a big event like that that wasn’t all focused on the commercials like the Super Bowl in America is. There was a big focus on things like agriculture and scientific progress which is very positive. It’s better to pay attention to scientific progress than which company has the funniest 30 second commercial, which cost them millions and millions of dollars, for some junk food product. Zhongguo jia you!
S / US

We have many things to be proud of but I do not think that planes shooting out colored smoke really celebrates the accomplishments of Chinese people. I also do not think soldiers of the exact same height marching together is the best thing about China. It is a pity common Chinese people couldn’t participate in the celebrations.
G / China

I was actually quite excited for the parade but it was a big letdown. You couldn’t see very much of the military hardware on TV and all the parts of Hu Jintao riding around with his head out the sunroof were really boring. People in the crowd seemed to be having a hard time staying awake and I was too. It definitely didn’t live up to all the hype. I hope Chinese people were impressed because I don’t think any foreigners were.
K / Australia

Though I’m a Chinese I don’t think the 60th anniversary is a very big event. Maybe 50 or 100 years but don’t think 60 is a very big deal. All the effort and money that was given to this short parade would have done much more good for serving the people if it had been given to the poor. Celebrating the past shouldn’t mean forgetting the present.
L / China

***

Related Links

China's anniversary showcases military might
On Day for China Pride, Little Interest in Ideology
What NOT to do During the National Day Celebrations

Warning：The use of any news and articles published on eChinacities.com without written permission from eChinacities.com constitutes copyright infringement, and legal action can be taken.