China has increased its crackdown on dissident activity ahead of the centennial of the country's Communist Party.
Preparatory work for the big day July 1 started more than a year ago.
There have been arrests under the country's law against the defamation of national heroes. The government has established an online hub for citizens to report "historical nihilists" and other suspected dissidents.
According to residents, police are going door to door in Beijing's central Dongcheng district to confirm people living at each address. One resident said police had also been checking on houses where residents suffer from mental illnesses.
Authorities have been monitoring online purchases. Taobao.com said it has been banned from selling items such as gas bottles and other items that might be used as weapons.
"It's like having an enormous birthday party and not wanting your embarrassing neighbors to spoil it. There's no room for error," one resident said.
In Beijing, dozens of roads have been blocked and hundreds of police are securing important areas. Long stretches of road are decked with patriotic floral arrangements and hundreds of flags.
Last week, traditional courtyard houses in old-style "hutong" streets were decked with national flags. Government workers in orange uniforms are a common sight. According to state news media, more than 2.3 million flowers and other potted plants have been placed along roads across the city.
The exact event itinerary for the day hasn't been revealed. However, state news media and government agencies hinted at big performances, including a large-scale theatrical event in Tiananmen Square and a performance at the Bird's Nest Stadium.
Unlike previous celebrations, officials confirmed there will be no military parade. President Xi Jinping, who promised "grand celebrations" for the event, will speak.
<iframe width="1180" height="664" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vOK3Fms7dW0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
