The number '60' holds a unique significance in Chinese society, which explains the military fanfare and civilian pomp to be displayed at today's celebration in Beijing.
In the ancient Chinese calendar of 'heavenly stems' and 'earthly branches', a span of 60 years is known as jiazi. There are 10 heavenly stems and 12 earthly branches, and a count of 60 completes one cycle of both elements, and marks the beginning of a new one.
Formulated in the ninth century BC, fung shui masters and fortune tellers still consult this system today, as do young couples looking to see if they are a match made in heaven. It is customary to throw a lavish banquet for a family elder's 60th birthday, more so than for the 50th, and the country must do likewise.
If one attentively follows the pattern of nature, as Taoists teach, there are some interesting 60-year cycles in recent Chinese history.
The Qing dynasty started losing steam after the death of Emperor Qianlong in 1799; the country was held at gunpoint in the second Opium war in 1859; the May 4th Movement in 1919 kick-started China's new culture movement that saw the seeding of Western ideas, including Marxism; and the country finally rejoined the international stage in 1979 with the opening up and reform.
Marking this important anniversary with a display of military might is a way of demonstrating the strength of China - and its leaders. 'A military parade is a reflection of the overall might of a country, its economy and its political strength,' said Hong Kong-based China expert Johnny Lau Yui-siu.
'The grandeur and solemnity of the military parade will also be associated with the nation's leaders.'