The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held a seminar at the Great Hall of the People on Friday, marking the 110th anniversary of the birth of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

A military police officer stands guard in front of a big portrait of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong Friday, Dec. 26, 2003 in Beijing, China. China on Friday commemorated the 110th anniversary of Mao Zedong's birth with pop-culture peans and praise from state media. [AP]

President Hu Jintao attended the event. Hu, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, visited the mausoleum where Mao's embalmed body is on public display with other top leaders of the state.

Born on December 26, 1893, Mao and his colleagues founded the CPC, the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and the People's Republic of China. He died on September 9, 1976.

A number of activities were planned to commemorate Mao's birthday across the country.

An official concert was scheduled to be held on Friday evening at the Great Hall of the People in honour of the late leader.

Feng Yuan, director of the Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture, said Mao devoted his life to his motherland and people, and all Chinese remember his great contributions.

About 70 books on Mao were published this year as millions of Chinese readers' interest in the charismatic figure as a statesman, strategist, writer, poet and calligrapher peaked.

A total of 67 books on Mao have been selected by the State Administration of News and Publishing for publication to mark the day..

Xi'dan Book Centre, one of the biggest book outlets in Beijing, has devoted a special counter to over 50 different books on Mao Zedong, many of which have become bestsellers.

The authors of the books include Mao's daughter and grandson, former personal doctors and bodyguards, researchers, poets and other experts or artists.

Mao Xinyu, grandson of Mao, has drawn nationwide attention as author of a newly published book on Mao's role as a grandfather. The author has also published another book that tells of the life of the great leader.

Li Min, daughter of Mao and his second wife He Zizhen, also told her stories of the leader and her mother in a book titled "My Childhood and Father". Mao's first wife Yang Kaihui was killed by the Kuomintang regime in early 1930s.

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