Only two other countries have performed a successful soft landing on the celestial body, the US and, then Soviet, Russia.
The importance China had put in this mission's success was evident.
President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang along with a panel of other dignitaries were watching intently in the control room as the photos were sent back.
The President was beaming with pride as he shook hands and celebrated with scientists and workers.
The rover and the landing craft were effectively doing an equipment check, taking photos of each other, but the red flag of China was prominently on display. A statement to the world that China now has a commanding presence in space.
The rover is also fitted with ground penetrating radar so it can search for possible valuable natural resources below the surface. A fact that has led to speculation the communist nation may be planning mining explorations to the moon in the future.
