A float with a shining fan-shaped picture of traditional Peking opera performer on a civilian parade formation showcased Chinese cultural prosperity since the founding of the People's Republic of China six decades ago.

Paraders dressed in long-sleeved shirts and white pants marched past the Tian'anmen Rostrum. A banner on the float reads "promoting the socialist cultural development and prosperity".

Chinese cultural sector has gained great momentum in past six decades to meet the expanding cultural needs of people living in the world's most populous country. Public cultural infrastructure facilities in China have been improved, and the cultural sector has developed rapidly.

China hosted a distinctive and high-level Beijing Olympics and Paralympics last year, fulfilling the century-old dream of the Chinese nation.

The country endeavors to intensify construction of key cultural facilities as well as community-based cultural facilities in both urban and rural areas, particularly the project of extending radio and TV coverage to all villages nationwide, and the construction of multi-purpose cultural centers in towns and small libraries in rural areas.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2009)