China's grand celebrations of the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Republic concluded Thursday evening after a chorus by about 60,000 people including President Hu Jintao and other leaders.

Amid applause, cheers and fireworks, the leaders walked into the joyous crowd on Tian'anmen Square, dancing and singing the classic Ode to the Motherland.

The evening gala that lasted about 100 minutes turned Tian'anmen Square into a sea of festivity.

Top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and all the other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee overlooked the performances on Tian'anmen Rostrum with Hu before they joined the crowd.

Former President Jiang Zemin also attended the gala.

Local residents, public servants, company staff, students and servicemen, all dressed in festive costumes, took part in the gala eulogizing New China's great development and unity among all ethnic groups.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2009)