BEIJING -- A 30-episode TV series called "Founding of New China" is about to begin shooting next month to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party in China. Recently the leading cast members were announced at the press conference.

Actors who portray the senior generation of Chinese leaders including Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi, Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping showed up at the press conference on Monday. The TV drama follows the major historical events in the history of China from 1949, when New China was founded, to 1956.

More than 160 prominent historical figures both Chinese and foreigners will appear in the series. The show promises TV viewers lots of unknown anecdotes and neglected details of historical events. The TV series is slated to hit the airwaves across China in October.