People from the media and various walks of life paid their last respects to Li Zhuang, a celebrated journalist and former editor-in-chief of People's Daily, China's leading newspaper, in the capital on Wednesday.

Li, who died of illness on March. 3 in Beijing at the age of 88, was regarded as one of the founders of People's Daily and has left behind him many well-known news stories and theoretical works.

During his illness and after his death, Chinese leaders Hu Jintao, Jiang Zemin, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Zeng Qinghong, Huang Ju, Wu Guanzheng and Li Changchun have, among others, all extended their regards and condolences in various ways.

Source: Xinhua