Edition: U.S. | Arabic | Set Pref
August 8, 2008
Posted: 654 GMT

BEIJING, China — Just hours before the curtain raises for the Beijing Olympics at 8 p.m. on August 8, 2008, my friends and I have been engrossed in a new Olympic event. It’s the big guessing game: Will it rain or will Beijing be blessed with a clear sky? Who will light the Olympic flame? How will it be lit? Will we be dazzled by the opening ceremony?

I had the good fortune of watching an earlier rehearsal of the much anticipated opening ceremony, directed by Chinese film guru Zhang Yimou and featuring a cast of thousands. Short of leaking “state secrets” and spoiling the suspense, I can say that the three-and-a-hour extravaganza can compare well with the pomp and ceremony produced by previous host cities, like Athens, Sydney and Barcelona. The first hour features a potpourri of group dances and acrobatic stunts performed by scores of China’s best cultural troupes, including virtually all the 50 plus ethnic groups in China. It’s just like watching a Cirque de Soleil, where three or four troupes perform at the same time on the sprawling makeshift stage laid on the oval of the national sports stadium, better known as the Bird’s Nest.

Zhang Yimou’s mega-production begins a minute before 8 p.m. local time with a stunning countdown featuring hundreds of costumed performers banging drums in unison. China’s best artists perform tableaus depicting China’s imperial pride: one segment hails Chinese ancient inventions of paper making, printing, gunpowder and compass; another retells the ancient Silk Road and naval trade routes as examples of the Middle Kingdom’s engagement with the outside world.

Zhang makes maximum use of space, on and off ground. We are awed by flying fairies and “taikonauts” (Chinese for astronauts) and dazzled by the synchronized “tai chi” by hundreds of kungfu artists.  Cleverly, he meshed traditional elements with modern art forms and technology, such computer and lighting.

Zhang, who took three years to put this show together, explains his underlying message: “No matter how glorious our five thousand years’ of history have been, what we want to show today to the people of the world should not be simply an exhibition, telling people that we have this stuff, that we had it two thousand years before you did. We must turn it into a touching experience.”

After a brief fireworks interlude, Olympic athletes will march in, not alphabetical order but according to number of strokes of the first Chinese character of their names in Chinese. Greece will be in front, as is the tradition, followed by delegations from Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Turkey. Curiously, Australia will be near the tail, just before Zambia. China as host will be at the end, with basketball superstar Yao Ming as its standard-bearer.

To be sure, I did not see 100 percent of the Opening Ceremony. Zhang Yimou is keeping many elements shrouded in secrecy: who will be the last of the torch bearers who will run a relay around the stadium to light the Olympic flame? One fearless forecast: retired male gymnast Li Ning, winner of four Olympic golds, a successful business entrepreneur (he founded “Li Ning”, now a major competitor of Nike and Adidas), and a charismatic public figure in and outside China.

The extravaganza will climax with massive fireworks, carefully choreographed by Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang. Combining traditional concepts with modern pyrotechnic techniques, the world-class art virtuoso will light up Beijing’s skies using one of China’s proudest inventions: gunpowder.

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Filed under: China • Olympics • Sports


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Y   August 8th, 2008 712 GMT

Great to read this article about Beijing’s Olympic opening with no negative comments on China. However, watching the CNN channel reports on TV, it appears the reporters are anti-Chinese. The Game is hosted by the Chinese people and not just by the government, they should not “attack” the people of China. How does CNN allow such negative people to be the face of CNN? Please treat Chinese people with respect! Thank you. — Sydney

Idowu - Lagos, Nigeria   August 8th, 2008 1002 GMT

The way the countdown to the games have been covered by CNN has made me wish I’m there for the opening ceremonies.
At times, I wonder what it’s like to put things together for that event.
The government and people of China must be praised for their heavy efforts (from reducing cars on the road and shutting down of factories to reduce pollution, enlightening the people on ethical standards around the world, e.t.c…JUST FOR THE VISITORS. That is big sacrifice I must say. The focus at this time should not be criticisms but commendations.

BlueC   August 8th, 2008 1118 GMT

I do not think the CNN reporters are attacking Chinese people. Rather, they are vouching for chinese people and trying to convince the Chinese government to provide its people with the rights it deserves. Therefore, what CNN reporters are doing is reminding the world of what is actually happening. Pune, India

Lee, Ken Kok   August 8th, 2008 1619 GMT

Beijing Olympics could have never gone on a better, more magnificent start.
I have always enjoyed watching games but never the opening and closing ceremonies, but Beijing Olympics 2008 … it easily tops all types of game ceremonies in history that I have watched: being so complete, so full, … I could never imagine in the foreseeable future, any one of any type could be even remotely close to its significance, its perfectness, its warmth, its benevolence, … its completeness.

Chinese Abroad   August 8th, 2008 1722 GMT

I’m Chinese and I’m tired of reading all these comments from overly-sensitive posters who ask that reporters stop ‘attacking’ the people or being ’so negative’. Get over it and show the world we’re bigger than that instead of just a bunch of whiners.

Tonny   August 8th, 2008 1943 GMT

BlueC,

What is actually happening? Please tell the world.

Anjaneen Campbell   August 9th, 2008 407 GMT

Congratulations to the organizers, participants, and people of China. The opening ceremonies were fabulous!!!!

Dragon   August 9th, 2008 637 GMT

What’s wrong with India? The second most populous nation but with no gold metal ever?

Susie in the desert of the SW USA   August 9th, 2008 934 GMT

Wow!! All I can say after watching Olympic opening and closing ceremonies for most of my somewhat long life is WOW! I am always wowed when host countries put so much of their culture into a program…but this, this took the cake a hundred times over. I don’t care what it cost. China outdid itself and there’s no argument there. I loved the Lilihammer cultural show at the winter Olympics, but this was by far the best and most jaw-dropping opening I’ve ever experienced. Of course, as always, it would have been best not cut into by commercials, but even those couldn’t sway the effect. It was a knock-out, and I’ve watched many Olympics over my life on the boob tube. I think for the producer, but also for China as a whole, this was a reach out to tell the world just where they are and their history in one fell swoop. I can’t imagine any other country topping this ever! Way to go…..China 99, other hosts 12. Well, that’s just my opinion, but I hope the judging is fair and no protests interrupt what should be a wonderful Olympics. I hope NBC and its sister channels show as much at night as possible. Most everything is re-runs anyway. Although I love America winning, I just want to see all the venues possible on the HD screen. What a way to see this brilliant event. Thanks NBC and China. Way to go!! Let’s have an uneventful but fair and exciting Olympic game!!

fabian   August 9th, 2008 1239 GMT

The best is yet to come

Pollution   August 10th, 2008 136 GMT

How much pollution did those Fireworks produce!? ya as CNN says “beautiful fireworks” LOL, are you serious. Conflicting reports about pollution???? Use your heads, now why wouldnt you as a network point something like this out? its all about the money….. people are crazy these days…. use your heads people.

Wendy Wan   August 10th, 2008 1509 GMT

I am Chinese and I am really sick of the comment by the media about human rights, that there are no human rights in China. All of us Chinese people are sick of the misconception and the media’s not concentrating on the Olympics. Chinese people are happy and probably have more freedom than the people in the US. I believe I speak for all the Chinese in the country. Why don’t we look at the problem in US before we worry about the the other country. There are so many more people in this country taking Anti-depression pills than the people in China. You can ask anyone in China and we are really sick of people from another country telling us we are not happy.
The opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics was beatuiful and I am proud to be Chinese. I am beginning to have negative feelings toward the US because of how negative and narrow minded the comments are about the Olympics in Beijing.

John   August 11th, 2008 117 GMT

There is a “tone” in the regular CNN reportings (and many other news media). The journalists who write those articles obviousely have never been to China. To tell the truth, it gets old and even embarrasing, when there is an obvious bias.

The funny thing is, the blogs from the field (Beijing) are so different, no matter which news outlet the blog is from.

This blog is pretty nice to provide a balance view, from the field, about both the good and the bad.

If the mainstream media is wondering why they are losing to the online bloggers (who have their own problems), compare this series of blog and the other BJ Olympics articles on cnn.com, it is quite obvious which one has more information and is more objective.

Food shortage   August 12th, 2008 039 GMT

Prejudice, bias and xenophobia are somewhat human intrinsics. CNN only reflexes the human side of the whaterver. Americans are humans too. Their history proves it. Likewise, Europeans think they are humans as well.

Chinese Intellect   August 12th, 2008 316 GMT

WOW….What a… west grudging praise to the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony.
The west cities are so unsafe and poor all over the place, and the paid activists of human rights “NGO”are telling China about human rights, what a big big joke.

Susan   August 12th, 2008 1814 GMT

I cannot beleive that China thought 7-year-old Yang Peiyi was not cute enough to be shown on TV during the opening ceremonies and that they put in Lin Miaoke because she was cuter. There was absolutely nothing wrong with Yang, she is adorable with her crooked little teeth. YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF CHINA’S HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS.
When will China get it together and get with the program??????

Food shortage   August 13th, 2008 209 GMT

To Dragon: We got one! Before poking bias and fun on others, think about the treatment you have got from CNN?

nasaken   August 14th, 2008 1240 GMT

‘Y August 8th, 2008 712 GMT

Great to read this article about Beijing’s Olympic opening with no negative comments on China. However, watching the CNN channel reports on TV, it appears the reporters are anti-Chinese. The Game is hosted by the Chinese people and not just by the government, they should not “attack” the people of China. How does CNN allow such negative people to be the face of CNN? Please treat Chinese people with respect! Thank you. — Sydney”

I am glad to know there are still some kind, expansive, and humble people from the western world………no wonder cause you are not from
U.S.A.

Thanks

nasaken   August 14th, 2008 1715 GMT

Food shortage August 13th, 2008 209 GMT

To Dragon: We got one! Before poking bias and fun on others, think about the treatment you have got from CNN?

To Food shortage :

Congralution. You have “one thing” to be proud of, and a new topic to talk in your cave

Food shortage   August 26th, 2008 334 GMT

“The Chinese people seem to love all things western (David Beckham included by the looks of it) but in return all we can do is bad mouth them and show no respect. What does that say about us. 
 
There’s an old saying, treat people the same as how you would like to be treated. 
 
Rob, London”

Lyn Po   August 27th, 2008 915 GMT

No wonder US is being attacked by the AL QAEDAS because of their foreign policy of being a wardog. CNN is very hypocrite of claming they have the perfect human rights record when they don’t review on their own backyard. One more thing, it’s getting sickening of watching you guys picking on China almost everyday without let up.

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Receive updates from across the world on the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. "Olympics and the World" is a blog offering you the thoughts and observations from athletes, journalists around unique personalities preparing for the Olympics in China. Whether it's from the training field, the newsroom or the homes of everyday people, "Olympics and the World" provides you a global pulse as the Beijing Olympics approach.

Special Report: Beijing 2008

Athletes
Peter Reed Peter Reed is a British rower who will be part of the men's coxless four boat in Beijing. At 26-years old, he has only been rowing for six years after being spotted in a gym while using a rowing machine. He has had a rapid rise in the sport, having already tasted gold in World Cup events.
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Claudia Rivero Claudia Rivero is Peru's top-ranked badminton player and will be a member of one of the smallest national squads going to Beijing. Based in Germany she received an Olympic scholarship. This will be her first Olympic Games.
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Gilbert Tuhabonye Gilbert Tuhabonye is a marathon runner who escaped the ethnic violence of Burundi to find a new life in the U.S. As well as coaching athletics he has been trying to fulfill his dream of competing at the Olympics. He is also the author of "The Running Man and "This Voice in my Heart."
Read Gilbert's posts.

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