BEIJING, Sept. 14, 2009 -- Beijing turned on thousands of decorative lights Monday night, more than two weeks before they are to brighten up the city for China's National Day on Oct. 1.

Photo taken on Sept. 14, 2009 shows the illuminated Tian'anmen Gate Tower in Beijing, capital of China. A total of 21 lighting installations in the city have been fixed or renovated for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)

The display, which started at 7:30 p.m. and was to continue until midnight, involved thousands of decorative lights on more than 30 overpasses and 150 buildings along Chang'an Avenue, the major thoroughfare in Beijing which partly runs alongside Tian'anmen Square, said Jia Jianping, an official in charge of the city's lighting display.

"All the lights used in the display were energy-saving lamps," he said.

People are seen in front of the illuminated Tian'anmen Gate Tower in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 14, 2009. A total of 21 lighting installations in the city have been fixed or renovated for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)

Jia did not say when the lighting display was to begin formally.

Usually, the decorative lighting is on every night from Sept. 30 to Oct. 7.

"It was a different night. The city took on a beautiful new shine," said Li Jing, a local resident.