Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet

More than 20,000 people from all walks of life gathered at the Potala Palace square on July 19 for a grand ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Tibet. Padma Choling, chairman of the autonomous region, announced its opening, and Vice President Xi Jinping, who headed a central government delegation for the event and related celebrations, made a keynote speech before presenting a tablet inscribed by President Hu Jintao. The rally concluded with a parade of floats and folk dance performances. The festive mood lasted late into the night, when thousands of people gathered in the square to watch a fireworks display. Xi and his delegation attended the show and danced with local residents at the square.