In Lhasa, a grand ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of Tibet's peaceful liberation has just kicked off. A Central Government delegation headed to the plateau to celebrate this day with the Tibetan people.

At the foot of the Potala Palace, comes this grand gathering of more than 2,000 people.

The raising of the National flag of China kicks off the ceremony that took ten months to prepare.

After receiving bouquets of flowers, Vice President Xi Jinping traced back to 60 years ago when one million serfs, who were denied their basic rights of living, were liberated. Great changes in all aspects of their life later took place.

Vice President Xi said, "The implementation of reform and opening-up policies have greatly unleashed and boosted social productivity in Tibet. The preferential policies introduced by the Central Government have lent a strong impetus to the economic and social development of Tibet."

A local government official gives the figures.

Party Secretary Tibet Autonomous Region Zhang Qili said, "The total output value of Tibet in 2010 reached more than 50.7 billion yuan (about $ 7.7 billion), which is a 111.8-percent increase compared to 1951. Over 1.4 million farmers and herdsmen now have proper homes to live in."

(CNTV.cn July 19, 2011)