Beijing - The creative force behind the stunning opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games, Zhang Yimou, will direct the country's 60th anniversary celebrations as well, officials said Wednesday.

The 57-year-old acclaimed filmmaker from Shaanxi has been assigned the task of organizing the once-in-a-decade National Day celebrations on October 1, state-run China Daily quoted a senior Beijing municipal official saying on condition of anonymity.

Zhang Jigang, one of the vice-directors of the 2008 Olympic ceremonies, has confirmed he will team up with Zhang Yimou to put up a grand show to mark the anniversary of the communist victory in the civil war.

Zhang Jigang, from the elite army arts troupe, told China Daily that he will direct a dance performance titled "The Road to Revival" during the celebrations.

Chen Weiya, another vice-director of the Games' ceremonies, said said he was "eager" to see how the creative director will surprise audiences this time, the report said.

"Beijing has chosen such a great director like Zhang (Yimou) to direct performances on such an occasion, so I expect a lot of new ideas from him," Chen said.

Liu Jingmin, the city's vice-mayor and vice executive president of the Beijing Games organizers, will preside over the anniversary gala, officials said.

Last year's Games ceremonies vowed audiences the world over with animated patterns, spectacular group performances and one of the most dazzling firework displays in Olympic history, China Daily said. (dpa)