BEIJING -- A high-profile art performance was held in Beijing on Sunday evening, ahead of the National Day that falls on Oct 1, in celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng and Wang Qishan joined over 4,000 people to watch the performance, named "Stride Forward, the Nation," at the Great Hall of the People.

At 7:55 pm, Xi and other leaders walked into the auditorium and shook hands with the representatives of senior comrades, paying respect to them amid applause.

The performance was divided into four parts, featuring symphony, chorus, poetry recital and dance.

The first part recalled the days when the Chinese nation was in despair and presented how the Communist Party of China (CPC) united Chinese people and led them to found New China after 28 years of struggles.

The second part focused on the socialist revolution and construction period after New China was founded in 1949. The third part showed China's development since the reform and opening-up as well as the people's aspiration for national reunification.

The fourth part showed the progress achieved as socialism with Chinese characteristics entered a new era since the 18th CPC National Congress.