To mark 50 years of communist rule in China, BBC News Online's special coverage looks back at the birth of the People's Republic and takes stock of what the future might hold for its people:

Jiang's day of glory
For China's President Jiang Zemin, the 50th anniversary of the communist nation was an opportunity to affirm his place as successor to Deng Xiaoping, writes James Miles.

• Jiang Zemin's speech: Full text
• A time to rejoice? - John Simpson reflects
• Who's who at China's top table

Click here to read and listen to your experiences and views of China in Talking Point On Air

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"Far from a socialist paradise" - Carrie Gracie reportsBeijing residents on what the anniversary means to them
People have been given a list of approved slogans for the occasion - James Miles reports

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The legacy of Mao
The Great Helmsman of the Revolution still holds a dominant place at the heart of China's capital - at least symbolically: Kate Liang reports on what his legacy means today.

• The economy's long march
• Images of the Cultural Revolution

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The long and winding road
Listen to a BBC Radio 4 special series on the Long March. Writer Philip Short traces the route of the Long March itself and the development of China's people and society.
Mao Zedong proclaims the People's Republic
(Tiananmen Square 1 October 1949)

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Private lives
People have more freedom and scope for basic choices than ever before - as long as they do not openly challenge the Party and its legitimacy: Li-Fen Zhang reports on the changing face of Chinese society.

• The challenge from cyberspace
• The complex web of Falun Gong

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The BBC World Service's Omnibus programme focuses on the media in China

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China's foreign fears
China's communist leaders, though fairly secure at home, will find little to celebrate on the foreign policy front, writes Graham Hutchings.

• Chinese military might

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"For most of the last 50 years Taiwanese voices have been silent" - Jill McGivering reports from Taiwan.

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With thanks to the Stefan Landsberger Chinese Propaganda Poster Collection and the Collection of the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam for the use of their images.