The remains of Song Ping, a former senior official of the Communist Party of China and the State, were cremated in Beijing on Tuesday.

Chinese leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng and others paid their final respects to Song at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery.

Amid solemn music, they walked slowly toward Song's body and stood in silent tribute. They then paid their final respects with three bows, shook hands with members of Song's family and offered condolences.

Hu Jintao sent a wreath to express his condolences over Song's passing.

Song died of illness in Beijing on March 4 at the age of 109.

Song had served as a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 13th CPC Central Committee and a state councilor.

He was extolled in an official statement as an excellent CPC member, a time-tested and loyal communist soldier, an eminent proletarian revolutionary and statesman, and an exceptional leader of the Party and the State.

Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng and Hu Jintao, among others, had either paid Song a visit while he was in hospital or mourned him and sent condolences to his family through various means following his passing.