More than 2,000 delegates from across China will take part in the Communist party's 17th congress at the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square in Beijing from 15-21 October.
The congress meets once every five years and one of its main tasks is to elect the Central Committee of the party which in turns elects the Politburo.
China's president Hu Jintao, who is also party secretary and military chief, is expected to be re-elected as leader for another five years.
While there are not likely to be any surprises at this gathering, the congress also reviews the party constitution and it is thought that Mr Hu's philosophies of 'scientific development' and the 'harmonious society' will become part of the party's body of political theory.
Basically Mr Hu realises that while the breakneck speed of China's industrial development has produced an urban elite, there is the potential for social unrest if the rest of the country does not get to share in the fruits of economic growth.
With growing environmental and corruption problems affecting people all around the country, Mr Hu wants to show that he is in touch with the majority of China's population who live in rural areas or smaller cities, rather than the glitzy cities of Beijing and Shanghai (right).
In advance of the congress there has been much speculation as to whether Mr Hu can bring more of his own allies into the Politburo, or whether the so called 'Shanghai faction' with links to his predecessor Jiang Zemin will retain significant influence.
Also in advance of the congress there has been a clampdown on internet sites and blogs which are critical of the party and the leadership, and a number of activists have been arrested.
While the congress may be willing to discuss the need for more democracy inside the party, it is still wary of any discussion outside.
- Margaret Ward
