The capital is ready for the most lavish and spectacular celebrations for the nation's birthday today, says Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong.
Months of preparations for the grandiose celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Communist Party rule, including a military parade in the morning and the world's biggest-ever fireworks display tonight, have wrapped up fairly smoothly.
'It's time to say we are ready,' Guo said in a rare interview, with the South China Morning Post.
Authorities have gone all-out to ensure the success of the events, including at least three parade rehearsals, a citywide security lockdown and sweeping traffic bans.
'Weather remains a top concern, and hopefully, we will have a rain-free day,' Guo said.
While the celebrations this year may be 'a little bit more' extravagant than those in previous years, it was largely because the National Day parade was held once in a decade, according to the mayor.
Most of the municipality's 20 million residents will watch the dazzling one-day party at home on television because of security concerns.