Central Beijing was under lockdown on the eve of the nation's most sensitive anniversary of the year, with security forces on maximum alert ahead of the military parade and celebrations today to mark 60 years of Communist rule.
Heightened security could be seen everywhere in the capital, especially in downtown areas along the parade route as authorities completed final preparations for the one-day party starting at 10am.
Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and other tourist landmarks in central Beijing were being cordoned off until after tonight's elaborate fireworks display.
Most hotels, office buildings and shops along the parade route and many of those within the third ring road were ordered by authorities to close early in the afternoon.
Tens of thousands of police and plain-clothes officers were stationed at every intersection, bus and subway stations, and along all main streets. Helmeted Swat police and armoured vehicles were scattered on main roads leading to Tiananmen Square.
Nearly a million security volunteers in yellow uniforms and red armbands - mostly retired women in their 50s and 60s - patrolled the entrances of almost every residential building across the city, state media reported.
Authorities have been alarmed by two stabbings in central Beijing and an explosion at a Muslim restaurant in recent weeks.
