About 2,500 college students from more than 100 universities performed in an evening gala on Friday to mark China's Youth Day.

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, watched the performance with students in Beijing.

he urged young people to study the keynote speech given by President Hu Jintao at the ceremony to mark the 90th founding anniversary of the Communist Youth League of China.

He expressed hope they would cherish the chances provided by the country's development and devote themselves to the country's drive of reform, opening-up and modernization.

The gala included music, dance and dramas developed and performed by college students.