Parade is 'sacred mission' for soldiers

Beijing's Military Parade Village - the temporary home of the military troops who will perform in the upcoming National Day parade - opened its gates to foreign media for the first time Thursday.

More than 30 media organizations from 17 countries were shown around the village Thursday, with a tour of the training field, logistic base, and living facilities.

Media staff take photos at Beijing's Military Parade Village Thursday when  it opened its gates to foreign media for the first time.

For the past four months, The village has been home to the troops preparing to march in China's 60th National Day celebrations.

Thousands of men and women have been preparing to dazzle the world with their crisp steps and immaculate formations on Oct 1.

That day is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, when an increasingly confident Chinese government will show off the military prowess that has been growing in tandem with its economic might, with a parade through central Beijing.