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.