2008.8.8The opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics
Zhang Yimou: Save the opening ceremony´s real features for the last moment
The splendor of every Olympic Games begins with the
opening ceremony.
Organizers in Beijing have entrusted internationally-acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou with creating an enthralling and memorable production. Several dress rehearsals have taken place. Zhang Yimou and his team remain tight-lipped about the details. He says he wants to keep up suspense until the very last moment.
The BOCOG has announced that all preparations are complete for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games. Though organizers remain tightlipped about the lighting of the cauldron and identity of the final torch bearer, they revealed on Wednesday that the theme song of the Games will be jointly performed by Chinese veteran singer Liu Huan and British star Sara Brightman.
This is the operation center of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games.
The man in charge of the galas steers clear of any specific details. But Zhang Yimou says he and his team are fully aware that the ceremony should be a perfect blend of sports and art. And they want to do this by presenting China's long history through a unique perspective.
Zhang Yimou said, "China's 5,000 years of civilization is splendid. There is no doubt about it. But we can only offer the world a brief display. We are not supposed to turn the ceremony into a history lesson. In a word, the ceremony has to be memorable, pleasant and touching. This is our starting point."
The huge success of the ceremony at Athens puts a lot of pressure on Zhang and his team. But it's also inspiring.
Zhang Yimou said, "We have to say the opening ceremony of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games opened up a new aesthetic angle. It breaks away from many traditional approaches, like group rhythmic gymnastics. The visual impact of the opening ceremony is simply cool."
Many critics say the success of Athens largely lies in the innovative use of story-telling techniques in presenting its myths and traditions. The Chinese team artists are facing the same challenge. The whole world is looking forward to seeing how they will tell this story about China for the Olympics tonight.
What the grand ceremony will be like has everyone guessing. Several rounds of dress rehearsals have allowed only a few glimpses into the much-anticipated event. No one knows for sure what's in store. But these performers in full costume just outside the Bird's Nest give a fair indication of the scale. Organizers say well over 10,000 performers will be mobilized. And all over the world, an estimated 4 billion viewers will be glued to their television screens for the spectacular.
Those with tickets to the rehearsals were lucky. A seat in the Bird's Nest is beyond the reach of most. So the vast majority in Beijing had to be content with the show in the sky. Thousands of people gathered at overpass bridges in the vicinity of the Bird's Nest or Tian'anmen Square for a taste of the festivities.
Ms Wang, 65-year-old local resident, said "The bus I took was very crowded. Many people come here to watch the fireworks. We are so excited. I came a long way here and maybe I can only watch the fireworks for just a couple of minutes. But I still feel it worthwhile and I am very happy."
Local resident Mr. Chen said, "The Olympics is a once-in-a-life-time event. I think I will remember it for my whole life."
Organizers say the firework displays on the night of August 8th will run as long as 20 minutes. The sparkling display that will light up the night sky includes giant dragons, the five Olympic rings and even smiling faces. The show is divided into several parts and will run throughout the ceremony.
The pyrotechnics are not just for the Bird's Nest, but all across Beijing. Fireworks will be set off from 29 other locations, including Yongdingmen and Tian'anmen Square. When the main torch is lit, that will be the signal for simultaneous displays at the Bird's Nest and the section of the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass.
Chinese president enters Banquet hall with foreign leaders
President Hu Jintao hosted a grand banquet for dignitaries from all over the world who are in Beijing to attend the Olympic opening ceremony. President Hu Jintao thanked the international community for their support to the Beijing Olympics.
Chinese President Hu Jintao addresses a
welcoming luncheon in Beijing, China, Aug.
8, 2008. Hu Jintao hosted a welcoming
luncheon in honor of world dignitaries
who are here to attend the opening
ceremony of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
(Xinhua Photo)
More than one hundred leaders, royal family members and their spouses from around the world gathered at the Great Hall of People on Friday for a welcoming Banquet hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Addressing the banquet, Hu Jintao said in the course of bidding and preparing for the Olympics, the Chinese government and people have received sincere help from governments and people from other countries. The International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Family have also provided strong support.
Hu Jintao, Chinese President, said, "I would like to express heartfelt thanks to you, and through you, to all those who have contributed to the Beijing Olympic Games. I also wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the international community for the warm support and valuable assistance given to China in our rescue and relief efforts after the devastating earthquake in southwestern Sichuan province."
The Chinese president also said the Olympics is a grand sporting event, which also serves a platform for cultural exchanges. The Olympics help bring together people from different countries, ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds. The Olympic movement also helps enhance mutual understanding and friendship among all peoples
Hu Jintao, Chinese President, said, "The Beijing Olympics is an opportunity not only for China but also for the whole world. We should, through participating in the Olympics, carry forward the Olympic spirit of solidarity, friendship as well as peace, and also facilitate sincere exchanges among people from all countries."
Hu Jintao says it's a century-old dream and a shared aspiration for the Chinese nation to host the Olympics. Since Beijing won the bid in 2001, the Chinese government and people have worked earnestly to honor the country's commitment to the international community, guided by the concept of "green, high-tech and people's Olympics".
Hu Jintao, Chinese President, said, "I am confident that, with the support of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Family, and together with you, China will deliver a high-quality Olympic Games with distinctive features."
At the end of his speech, President Hu Jintao proposed a toast to the dignitaries at the banquet, wishing the strong growth of the Olympic Movement as well as greater solidarity and friendship among people from all over the world.
Top creative talents selected for grand opening and closing ceremonies of Beijing Olympics
Comparing the Olympic Games to a fantastic book, the Opening Ceremony would be its splashy cover and of course the Closing Ceremony would be its dramatic back cover. As we know, some of the best creative minds from around the world have been working around the clock and stretching their imaginations to the maximum limit to win a place to design and direct the Olympic ceremonies that will be eagerly watched around the world.
The Water Cube on the last day for public submission of
plans for the BeijingOlympic opening and closing
ceremonies
This is the last day for public submission of plans for the Beijing Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.
The Games' organizers have received 210 entries. Many came in plain packages, but there are few in customized cases, showing the importance of this bid for applicants around the world.
Now comes the process of picking the best plan from the best minds.
Every applicant is required to submit 3 plans. After two months' selection, 13 plans have been chosen to enter the first round of evaluation.
Top officials of the organizing committee will be judges. For the first time, applicants will present their ideas to them face to face.
Chinese rock veteran Cui Jian is the first to make a presentation on behalf of his team. He didn't feel it was difficult to come up with the plan.
Chinese rock veteran Cui Jian is the
first to make a presentation on behalf
of his team. He didn't feel it was
difficult to come up with the plan.
Cui Jian, a Chinese musician, said "I didn't spend too much time coming up with this plan. This brainchild comes from my belief in my own ability and a compelling feeling towards this event and the time we are living in. My passion is comes from these things."
The order of presentation is chosen drawing lots. Now comes the People's Liberation Army team.
Every team is competitive. Some companies have participated in many international grand activities and some include veteran Olympic ceremony directors.
Zhang Yimou: Save the opening ceremony´s real features for the last moment
The splendor of every Olympic Games begins with the
opening ceremony.
Organizers in Beijing have entrusted internationally-acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou with creating an enthralling and memorable production. Several dress rehearsals have taken place. Zhang Yimou and his team remain tight-lipped about the details. He says he wants to keep up suspense until the very last moment.
The BOCOG has announced that all preparations are complete for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games. Though organizers remain tightlipped about the lighting of the cauldron and identity of the final torch bearer, they revealed on Wednesday that the theme song of the Games will be jointly performed by Chinese veteran singer Liu Huan and British star Sara Brightman.
This is the operation center of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games.
The man in charge of the galas steers clear of any specific details. But Zhang Yimou says he and his team are fully aware that the ceremony should be a perfect blend of sports and art. And they want to do this by presenting China's long history through a unique perspective.
Zhang Yimou said, "China's 5,000 years of civilization is splendid. There is no doubt about it. But we can only offer the world a brief display. We are not supposed to turn the ceremony into a history lesson. In a word, the ceremony has to be memorable, pleasant and touching. This is our starting point."
The huge success of the ceremony at Athens puts a lot of pressure on Zhang and his team. But it's also inspiring.
Zhang Yimou said, "We have to say the opening ceremony of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games opened up a new aesthetic angle. It breaks away from many traditional approaches, like group rhythmic gymnastics. The visual impact of the opening ceremony is simply cool."
Many critics say the success of Athens largely lies in the innovative use of story-telling techniques in presenting its myths and traditions. The Chinese team artists are facing the same challenge. The whole world is looking forward to seeing how they will tell this story about China for the Olympics tonight.
What the grand ceremony will be like has everyone guessing. Several rounds of dress rehearsals have allowed only a few glimpses into the much-anticipated event. No one knows for sure what's in store. But these performers in full costume just outside the Bird's Nest give a fair indication of the scale. Organizers say well over 10,000 performers will be mobilized. And all over the world, an estimated 4 billion viewers will be glued to their television screens for the spectacular.
Those with tickets to the rehearsals were lucky. A seat in the Bird's Nest is beyond the reach of most. So the vast majority in Beijing had to be content with the show in the sky. Thousands of people gathered at overpass bridges in the vicinity of the Bird's Nest or Tian'anmen Square for a taste of the festivities.
Ms Wang, 65-year-old local resident, said "The bus I took was very crowded. Many people come here to watch the fireworks. We are so excited. I came a long way here and maybe I can only watch the fireworks for just a couple of minutes. But I still feel it worthwhile and I am very happy."
Local resident Mr. Chen said, "The Olympics is a once-in-a-life-time event. I think I will remember it for my whole life."
Organizers say the firework displays on the night of August 8th will run as long as 20 minutes. The sparkling display that will light up the night sky includes giant dragons, the five Olympic rings and even smiling faces. The show is divided into several parts and will run throughout the ceremony.
The pyrotechnics are not just for the Bird's Nest, but all across Beijing. Fireworks will be set off from 29 other locations, including Yongdingmen and Tian'anmen Square. When the main torch is lit, that will be the signal for simultaneous displays at the Bird's Nest and the section of the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass.
Chinese president enters Banquet hall with foreign leaders
President Hu Jintao hosted a grand banquet for dignitaries from all over the world who are in Beijing to attend the Olympic opening ceremony. President Hu Jintao thanked the international community for their support to the Beijing Olympics.
Chinese President Hu Jintao addresses a
welcoming luncheon in Beijing, China, Aug.
8, 2008. Hu Jintao hosted a welcoming
luncheon in honor of world dignitaries
who are here to attend the opening
ceremony of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
(Xinhua Photo)
More than one hundred leaders, royal family members and their spouses from around the world gathered at the Great Hall of People on Friday for a welcoming Banquet hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Addressing the banquet, Hu Jintao said in the course of bidding and preparing for the Olympics, the Chinese government and people have received sincere help from governments and people from other countries. The International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Family have also provided strong support.
Hu Jintao, Chinese President, said, "I would like to express heartfelt thanks to you, and through you, to all those who have contributed to the Beijing Olympic Games. I also wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the international community for the warm support and valuable assistance given to China in our rescue and relief efforts after the devastating earthquake in southwestern Sichuan province."
The Chinese president also said the Olympics is a grand sporting event, which also serves a platform for cultural exchanges. The Olympics help bring together people from different countries, ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds. The Olympic movement also helps enhance mutual understanding and friendship among all peoples
Hu Jintao, Chinese President, said, "The Beijing Olympics is an opportunity not only for China but also for the whole world. We should, through participating in the Olympics, carry forward the Olympic spirit of solidarity, friendship as well as peace, and also facilitate sincere exchanges among people from all countries."
Hu Jintao says it's a century-old dream and a shared aspiration for the Chinese nation to host the Olympics. Since Beijing won the bid in 2001, the Chinese government and people have worked earnestly to honor the country's commitment to the international community, guided by the concept of "green, high-tech and people's Olympics".
Hu Jintao, Chinese President, said, "I am confident that, with the support of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Family, and together with you, China will deliver a high-quality Olympic Games with distinctive features."
At the end of his speech, President Hu Jintao proposed a toast to the dignitaries at the banquet, wishing the strong growth of the Olympic Movement as well as greater solidarity and friendship among people from all over the world.
Top creative talents selected for grand opening and closing ceremonies of Beijing Olympics
Comparing the Olympic Games to a fantastic book, the Opening Ceremony would be its splashy cover and of course the Closing Ceremony would be its dramatic back cover. As we know, some of the best creative minds from around the world have been working around the clock and stretching their imaginations to the maximum limit to win a place to design and direct the Olympic ceremonies that will be eagerly watched around the world.
The Water Cube on the last day for public submission of
plans for the BeijingOlympic opening and closing
ceremonies
This is the last day for public submission of plans for the Beijing Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.
The Games' organizers have received 210 entries. Many came in plain packages, but there are few in customized cases, showing the importance of this bid for applicants around the world.
Now comes the process of picking the best plan from the best minds.
Every applicant is required to submit 3 plans. After two months' selection, 13 plans have been chosen to enter the first round of evaluation.
Top officials of the organizing committee will be judges. For the first time, applicants will present their ideas to them face to face.
Chinese rock veteran Cui Jian is the first to make a presentation on behalf of his team. He didn't feel it was difficult to come up with the plan.
Chinese rock veteran Cui Jian is the
first to make a presentation on behalf
of his team. He didn't feel it was
difficult to come up with the plan.
Cui Jian, a Chinese musician, said "I didn't spend too much time coming up with this plan. This brainchild comes from my belief in my own ability and a compelling feeling towards this event and the time we are living in. My passion is comes from these things."
The order of presentation is chosen drawing lots. Now comes the People's Liberation Army team.
Every team is competitive. Some companies have participated in many international grand activities and some include veteran Olympic ceremony directors.