Beijing shut for National Day rehearsal

Businesses, schools, and traffic shut down in central Beijing on Friday as the government rehearsed for a huge October 1 military parade that will mark 60 years since the founding of Communist China. Columns of tanks and assorted other military vehicles bearing missiles and an array of other hardware rumbled down the city's deserted main east-west thoroughfare, the Avenue of Heavenly Peace, and towards Tiananmen Square.
Security forces had earlier swarmed over central Beijing, shooing citizens away from what will be the parade's route through the heart of the city on October 1. Beijing had closed roads for previous rehearsals but Friday's shutdown order went further than past measures, highlighting the secrecy and security concerns surrounding the National Day celebrations.
Besides halting traffic on the normally busy avenue and across a swathe of central Beijing near the square, office towers fronting the street also closed early and thousands of staff went home in accordance with a government order. "Concerned departments should adjust work schedules and go on leave on the afternoon of September 18 and schools and kindergartens should let out students early," said the order.
The main east-west subway line which carries vast numbers of commuters each day was also shut down from Friday afternoon until Saturday morning. China is planning a parade, song and dance performances, and fireworks at Tiananmen Square on October 1 to mark the day when revolutionary leader Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of Communist China in 1949 at the giant plaza.
Preparations for the holiday have included a huge security clampdown, with thousands of extra police stepping up security checks across the city. Residents of apartments along the parade route were told to stay off their balconies and not open windows during rehearsals or the actual parade.
Some have also been asked to receive no guests at their homes in the days leading up to October 1 and until the celebrations are concluded. Some hotels along the route have been ordered to close for four days ahead of October 1, while others have been told not to put guests in rooms facing the street, state media have reported.