China holds a grand gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the country's reform and opening-up at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 18, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- China held a grand gathering Tuesday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the country's reform and opening-up, a great revolution that has changed the destiny of the Chinese nation and also influenced the world.

President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attended the event which began at around 10 a.m. at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Premier Li Keqiang presided over the meeting. 

The celebration started with all participants rising to sing the national anthem.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, read a decision to award the personnel who have made outstanding contributions to the country's reform and opening-up.

>>Related Reading:

Reform, opening-up "milestone" in Chinese national rejuvenation: Xi

Reform and opening-up a great revolution: Xi

China keeps improving people's well-being over past 40 years: Xi

Reform and opening-up remains norm throughout China's history: Xi

Xi stresses striking balance between reform, development, stability

Xi orders full, rigorous Party governance

Xi stresses adhering to path of socialism with Chinese characteristics

Xi urges enhancing China's composite strength

China vows to open up wider to world

Xi demands improving system of socialism with Chinese characteristics

Xi calls for continuous efforts to deliver on people's aspirations for better life

Xi summarizes achievements of China's 40-year reform, opening-up