Beijing's preparations begin long before the parade starts

A tourist is seen as the sun sets in Qingdao, Shandong province, Aug10, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Sept 3 has been officially announced as a national holiday so that people can stay at home to watch live reporting of the parade.

Primary and middle schools in Beijing are closed until Sept 7. It has been suggested that colleges and universities also remain closed until this date.