Hotel Manchester - 60 Years of the PRC Means Big Celebrations in Beijing

You can be sure that there will be celebrations in Beijing as well as in the rest of China. This year will be the sixtieth anniversary of that date - a major milestone. And pronounced the foundation of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the gate at the top of the square by the same name, stood atop Tiananmen, better known as Chairman Mao, on 1 October 1949 Mao Zedong.

Political maneuverings meant that Sun Yatsen's ideals were not upheld for long and a weakened China slid into factional warfare. The first step towards this republic came in late 1911 when Sun Yatsen was proposed as the first president of a republic to replace the failing Qing Dynasty.

Only after Chiang Kaishek fled to Taiwan with the remnants of his power did the Communists assume control and reunify China. This rivalry became an all out civil war, after the Japanese were expelled from Chinese territory, this rivalry continued throughout the Second World War ad. The Communist Party was formed in 1921 but this had to battle against its main rival then Guomindang who were then the main power.

In China this period is known as a Jiazi. In the west we would consider 60 years as a Diamond Jubilee. The reason that there will be such major celebrations in Beijing in 2009 is that 60 years has a special significance in Chinese Culture. Every anniversary of this foundation is celebrated with gusto within China.

The other half only 'Yang' - so that the result is indeed 60, half of the combinations are considered only 'Yin', instead of getting a 120 year period. Actually it is not quite a straight multiplication as the two aspects 'Yin' and 'Yang' are also brought into play. Well there are 12 of these and they interact with the 5 Elements of Chinese metaphysics to produce the result 60; you are probably familiar with the Chinese concept of animal years. Jiazi is an ancient term based on cycles of the Chinese Zodiac.

So what events are planned?

The formalities can take a while and costs are likely to shoot up once the actual events are publicised and the locals start to think of attending. You will need to begin your preparations early. Aim to be there for a truly memorable occasion. Beijing will lead the way with the biggest and most spectacular events, with the experience gained running the Olympics last year, you can be sure that there will be events and that. These probably will not be announced until much nearer the time. No plans have been announced officially, at the moment.

And this is extended relatively easily in-country, a simple 30-day tourist visa is sufficient for most visitors. Not Hong Kong, visas are best obtained in your home country now. Unless you are of one of the lucky few nationalities not requiring one you will almost certainly need a visa.

Especially if you are buying a complete package from them, many hotels can be booked on-line but you can sometimes get a better rate by going through a local agent.

Visa and hotel sorted then you won't be wasting your time, most events will be public so if you have flight. Only time will tell; other arrangements may need to booked in advance.

Have a good trip.