A delegation of the Central Government led by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived Sunday in Lhasa, capital city of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, to attend a series of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Tibet's peaceful liberation.

The 59-member delegation was met by Tibet's senior officials and about 600 local residents in festive attire at the Gonggar Airport. National flags and a huge banner which reads "Warmly welcome the Central Government delegation" are seen at the airport.

Dances were performed and hadas, a typical Tibetan ceremonial white scarf to extend greetings, were presented to members of the delegation.

Senior officials traveling with Xi include Vice Premier Hui Liangyu, Li Jianguo, vice chairman and general secretary of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, vice chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, Raidi, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th NPC, and Chen Bingde, chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2011)