The Chinese capital is going to usher in the new millennium with a candle-lit procession at the Badaling section of the Great Wall on the night of December 31.

At 00:00 January 1, 2000, a 21-gun salute will mark the beginning of the 21st century, Guo Zhenqing, deputy magistrate of Yanqing County announced at a recent press conference.

At a square at the foot of the Great Wall, dances and some folk art performances will be staged.

A 200-meter long red satin cloth will be spread out on which visitors can sign their names.

On the morning of January 1, some 10,000 people from different nationalities will climb the Great Wall.

Five million people visit the Great Wall each year, one-fifth of them from overseas.