A stunning photography series commemorating the 60-year journey of the People's Republic of China was launched as part of China Daily's 28th birthday celebrations Monday.

State Council Information Office Director Wang Chen (2nd from left) prepares for a toast as China Daily Editor-in-Chief Zhu Ling (on his right) applauds during China Daily's 28th anniversary celebration in Beijing Monday night. [Photo by Xu Jingxing/China Daily]

The photo collection, aptly named "China 1949-2009", is a retrospective of 362 pictures taken by 248 of the nation's top photojournalists. It chronicles China mostly from the perspective of ordinary people. In the images are the gravitas of history and warmth of humanity.

The front cover of a photo collection named "China 1949-2009", which is a retrospective of 362 pictures taken by 248 of the nation's top photojournalists. [chinadaily.com.cn]

To add a touch of history to the occasion, 90-year-old Hou Bo, who took the iconic picture of Chairman Mao Zedong at the exact moment when he announced the establishment of the People's Republic atop Tian'anmen Rostrum, attended the book launch and recounted her story. She also told how Premier Zhou Enlai pulled her back from falling over the railings.

The retrospective is the latest addition to China Daily's renowned photographic series, which started in 2003 when the country was hit by the SARS epidemic. On the cover of that collection was a man, who though lying on his back, held out his hand and made a fist. That was Dr Yin Peigang, who contracted the virus while treating other patients.

Images from the earthquake and the Beijing Olympics are included in the photo series.

Wang Chen, director of the State Council Information Office, wished China Daily a "happy birthday" and congratulated the paper for "bringing out better cultural products to present China's peaceful development and to foster communications between China and the rest of the world".

China Daily Editor-in-Chief Zhu Ling thanked "our readers, including peers and clients" for the continuous support. He was proud that the paper was "an authoritative voice on China and a platform for the voice of the people".

He said China Daily would "continue to provide in-depth news and insightful analysis crucial to understanding this vast and changing country and world."

Commenting on the coincidence that the paper's birthday falls on June 1, Children's Day, Zhu Ling joked that "China Daily will always be like a kid, full of youthful energy."

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