Beautiful Olympics inauguration photos
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the art performance of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, titled “Beautiful Olympics”, in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China.(Xinhua Photo)
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the art performance of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, titled “Beautiful Olympics”, in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China.(Xinhua Photo)
Fireworks show at opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the fireworks of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games held in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the fireworks of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games held in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
“Beautiful Olympics” at opening ceremony
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the art performance of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, titled “Beautiful Olympics”, in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China.(Xinhua Photo)
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the art performance of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, titled “Beautiful Olympics”, in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China.(Xinhua Photo)
August 4, 2008
Olympic-themed haircut popular among kids
A boy gets a haircut featuring an Olympic Fuwa mascot in Tianjin August 3, 2008. Wu Dasheng, a local Beijing barber, offers the boys in his neighborhood a free Olympic-themed haircut as part of his effort to cheer for the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. (Photo: China Daily/Agencies)
A pair of twins show their Olympic-themed haircuts in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, August 3, 2008.(Photo: China Daily/Agenices)
A boy with a Beijing 2008 Olympic haircut drinks at a community centre in Beijing August 2, 2008. (Photo: China Daily)
A boy with a Beijing 2008 Olympic haircut plays at a community centre in Beijing August 2, 2008. (Photo: China Daily)
A boy with a Beijing 2008 Olympic haircut plays at a community centre in Beijing August 2, 2008. (Photo: China Daily)
Beijing Snacks
Beijingers love their snacks and thanks to a courtyard restaurant near Houhai, a dozen of the capital’s most famous eats have a new home. Time Out joins the queues of hungry hordes
A dozen of Beijing’s oldest and most famous laozihao, or old brand name stores, some dating back more than a century, have found refuge under one roof in a large traditional courtyard house in Xiaoyou Hutong, beside Houhai .
The old Menkuang Hutong of Qianmen has been ‘recreated’ in this courtyard house, with stalls set up on both sides of an indoor ‘hutong’ that serves as a food court, with diners sitting at traditional wooden tables and chairs. Nice black and white photos of old Beijing adorn the walls.
It could be wet but can’t dampen spirit
Fireworks explode with an Olympic logo over Beijing’s National Stadium, or ‘Bird’s Nest’, during a rehearsal of the opening ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 2, 2008. [Agencies]
Beijing is praying for the mercy of Mother Nature this Friday, as the latest weather forecast calls for rain and thunderstorms on the day of the Opening Ceremony.
“We may see a cloudy sky on August 8, and it will probably also meet scattered showers or thunderstorms,” said Wang Jianjie, deputy director of the Beijing Meteorological Bureau. “The highest temperature may be between 30 and 32 C.”
Some Web sites unblocked for Olympics, but not all
BEIJING — Olympic organizers unblocked some Internet sites at the main press center and media venues Friday while others remained off limits for journalists covering the Beijing games.
The move falls short of the “free and unfettered access” the organizers and Chinese officials had promised for months. However, it was an improvement from earlier in the week when sites for the likes of Amnesty International or Tiananmen Square could not be opened.
Senior International Olympic Committee officials met late into the night Thursday with their Chinese counterparts and said they reached an agreement to unblock sites, although the IOC statement said the details were still being formulated.
“We trust them to keep their promise,” the International Olympic Committee said.
August 2, 2008
National Aquatics Center decorated well
Photo taken on July 31, 2008 shows a hall at the entrance of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China. The Center was cleaned up and decorated well as Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is drawing near. (Xinhua/Zhao Peng)
A reporter passes by the diving area decorated with billboard at National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China, July 31, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
Workers decorate the platform at diving area of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China, July 31, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)
Photo taken on July 31, 2008 shows press box of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China.(Xinhua/Zhao Peng)
Photo taken on July 31, 2008 shows press box of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China.(Xinhua/Zhao Peng)
Photo taken on July 31, 2008 shows press box of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China.(Xinhua)
Hu Jintao vows to deepen economic, political reform after Olympics
Chinese President Hu Jintao meets with foreign reporters at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Friday, Aug 1, 2008. (AFP/Mark Ralston)
BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — China will deepen economic and political reforms after the Beijing Olympics, President Hu Jintao said on Friday.
“Our first priority of macro adjustment is to maintain steady and relatively fast economic growth and curb excessive price rises,” Hu said told journalists from 25 news organizations from around the world.
Colorful waters seen in Hubei
(Asianewsphoto)
(Asianewsphoto)
(Asianewsphoto)
A clear boundary can be seen between the Yangtze and Qingjiang rivers on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, near Yidu, Hubei Province. The phenomenon happens every summer when sluice gates are opened at the Three Gorges Dam and a muddy residue pours into the Yangtze, turing it a reddish brown.
August 1, 2008
Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]
Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]
Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]
Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]
Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008.
July 31, 2008
China to broadcast solar eclipse live on Internet
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Photo illustration shows the moon entering and emerging from the earth’s shadow during a total eclipse of the moon. In ancient times, western astrologers also believed eclipses had the power to start and stop wars, solve scientific puzzles, and trigger earthquakes and floods. (AFP/File/Stan Honda)
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BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) — While the best observation place in China for Friday’s solar eclipse is a small county in the far-away Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region, most people can also see it in all its glory on their laptop.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) will broadcast the total solar eclipse, the first in China this century, live on the Internet, the Division of Information Technical Sciences (ITS) said on Tuesday.
On Aug. 1, the total eclipse will be visible from within a narrow corridor that traverses half the Earth. The path of the moon’s umbral shadow will begin in Canada and extend across northern Greenland, the Arctic, central Russia and Mongolia before ending in northern China.
A partial eclipse will be seen within the much broader path of the moon’s partial shadow, which includes northeastern North America, most of Europe and Asia.
It will make its final stop at sunset in Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi Province.
ITS will provide live eclipse coverage in Xi’an from 6:20 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Internet. Two astronomers will have an online discussion with netizens.
Nanjing Purple Mountain Observatory of CAS (www.pmo.jsinfo.net) and Shanghai Astronomical Observatory Online (www.astron.sh.cn/live/2008eclipse) will also broadcast the eclipse live.
In China, Yiwu County, 500 km east of Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, will get the best view of the eclipse. It will start at about 7 p.m. (Beijing Time) and last about two minutes.
People in Hong Kong and such provinces as Shanxi and Gansu will also see a total or partial eclipse. It will not be visible in Beijing.
It is advised not to look directly at the sun with the naked eye or through a telescope. According to astronomers, it’s safe to project the sun’s image through a pinhole or a telescope onto a piece of white paper or cardboard.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and Sun, totally or partially blocking the Earth’s view of the sun. The next total solar eclipse will occur in China in January.
Route for 2008 Olympic torch relay
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The torch for the 2008 Olympic Games has been lit successfully in ancient Olympia, Greece. The torch will begin a 130-day, 85,000-mile journey starting Monday. That will take it from the site of Olympia to Beijing, where the Summer Games is scheduled for August.
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While much of the trip will be aboard a chartered jet, tens of thousands of torch-bearers, including 19,400 in China, will carry the flame on foot through 23 cities on five continents and then throughout China, where tens of millions of ordinary people have been aspiring to see the arrival of the torch.
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The Planned Route
Hairstyles and make-up for victory ceremony hostesses
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Four models pose in their official make-up and hairstyles, that the medal presenters will wear during the victory ceremonies at the Beijing Olympic Games, in Beijing, July 11, 2008. (BOCOG)
Four models pose in their official make-up and hairstyles, that the medal presenters will wear during the victory ceremonies at the Beijing Olympic Games, in Beijing, July 11, 2008. (China Photo Press)
Four models pose in their official make-up and hairstyles, that the medal presenters will wear during the victory ceremonies at the Beijing Olympic Games, in Beijing, July 11, 2008. (China Photo Press)
Four models pose in their official make-up and hairstyles, that the medal presenters will wear during the victory ceremonies at the Beijing Olympic Games, in Beijing, July 11, 2008. (China Photo Press)
Olympic volunteers
Volunteers prepare for providing services at a street stall in Niujie street in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2008. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world. A total of 74,615 volunteers will provide services at Games venues, the Olympic Village and media centers of the Olympic Games. In addition, one million “social volunteers” have been helping to keep traffic and maintain social order in the communities and townships of Beijing.(Xinhua Photo)
Volunteers work at a street stall at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2008. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world. (Xinhua Photo)
Photo taken on July 23, 2008 shows a Fuwa, mascot of the Beijing Olympics Games, hungs at a street stall at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing, capital of China. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world. (Xinhua Photo)
A volunteer (1st R), who is an Arabic translator, introduces to other volunteers how to serve people in the religious sites at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2008. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world.(Xinhua Photo)
Tian Kaili, who is an Chinese-American and also a volunteer, hangs Olympic wishing cards on a tree at a street stall in Niujie street in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2008. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world. (Xinhua Photo)
National Aquatics Center after rain
Photo taken on July 30, 2008 shows the night view of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed “Water Cube” in the rain in Beijing, China. (Xinhua/Zou Zheng)
Photo taken on July 30, 2008 shows a view of the National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the Water Cube, in Beijing, China. A heavy rainfall hit the capital in the evening July 30. (Xinhua/Sadat)
People walk around the National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the Water Cube, in Beijing, China, July 30, 2008. A heavy rainfall hit the capital in the evening July 30. (Xinhua/Sadat)
Photo taken on July 30, 2008 shows a view of the National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the Water Cube, in Beijing, China. A heavy rainfall hit the capital in the evening July 30. (Xinhua)
China thanks Japan for quake assistance
Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cui Tiankai speaks at a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, capital of Japan, on July 29, 2008. A reception was given at the embassy to acknowledge Japan’s supports to the earthquake-hit areas after a strong earthquake devastated some part of southwest China’s Sichuan Province on May 12.(Xinhua Photo)
Japanese House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono speaks at the reception at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, capital of Japan, on July 29, 2008. A reception was given at the embassy to acknowledge Japan’s supports to the earthquake-hit areas after a strong earthquake devastated some part of southwest China’s Sichuan Province on May 12.(Xinhua Photo)
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TOKYO, July 29 (Xinhua) — The Chinese Embassy in Japan held a reception Tuesday to express appreciation and thanks to the Japanese people for their precious assistance and support for China’s quake relief and rescue operations.
The May 12 earthquake has been the most devastating and widest-affecting natural disaster since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, said Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai at the reception.
The Chinese people will never forget the assistance and support offered by the Japanese government, friends of various circles and Chinese expatriates in Japan after the massive disaster occurred, said Cui.
On behalf of the Chinese government and people, the Chinese ambassador extended great respect and sincere thanks to Japanese friends who lent a hand with China’s relief efforts in quake-hit areas.
Yohei Kono, speaker of Japan’s House of Representatives, said that as a country frequently hit by disasters, Japan is well aware of the importance of as well as the difficulties in the post-disaster reconstruction.
Japan is willing to offer assistance and help as its capacity allows to China’s quake-battered areas, he said.
Kono also wished the upcoming Beijing Olympics an enormous success.
Present at the reception were some 700 personages from various walks of life in Japan, including Satsuki Eda president of Japan’s House of Councilors, Toshihiro Nikai, chairman of the General Council of ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Typhoon Fung Wong hurts livelihoods of 450,000 people in east China
FUZHOU, July 29 (Xinhua) — More than 450,000 people have suffered economic losses and 107 flights have been canceled in eastern China since typhoon Fung Wong, the eighth tropical storm to hit China this year, made landfall late on Monday.
The typhoon, which was downgraded to a tropical storm on Tuesday, destroyed 110 houses and forced the evacuations of 390,000people in Fujian Province.
Crops were destroyed on 16,840 hectares of farmland, according to a preliminary estimates of the provincial flood control office on Tuesday.
Sixty-six industries and enterprises suspended operation, causing economic losses of 503 million yuan (74 million U.S. dollars).
As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, 97 domestic and 10 international flights had been canceled, according to an official with Changle International Airport in Fuzhou, the provincial capital.
Eight other flights were delayed and only 12 aircraft took off at the airport as scheduled.
The source said all the 430 international air passengers, who were stranded at the airport, would leave on rescheduled flights.
The typhoon weakened into a tropical storm early on Tuesday and was moving northwest towards Qianshan County, Jiangxi Province, at about 9:21 p.m., bringing heavy rains and winds.
It is expected to continue for three more days, producing 150 millimeters of rain, on average, in northern areas of Jiangxi by Saturday, the provincial meteorological observatory predicted.
The Fujian observatory said the eye of the powerful typhoon landed at Donghan Town, Fuqing City, at 10 p.m. Monday with winds of up to 119 kilometers per hour and torrential rains.
Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
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??Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace — and good wishes from China — to children all over the world.
??Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa also embody the natural characteristics of four of China’s most popular animals — the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow — and the Olympic Flame.
??Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name — a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow.
??When you put their names together — Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni — they say “Welcome to Beijing,” offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games.
??Fuwa also embody both the landscape and the dreams and aspirations of people from every part of the vast country of China. In their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature — the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky — all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation.
??Spreading Traditional Chinese Good Wishes Wherever They Go
??In the ancient culture of China, there is a grand tradition of spreading good wishes through signs and symbols. Each of Fuwa symbolizes a different blessing — and will honor this tradition by carrying their good wishes to the children of the world. Prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck will be spread to every continent as Fuwa carry their invitation to Beijing 2008 to every part of the globe.
??At the heart of their mission — and through all of their work — Fuwa will seek to unite the world in peace and friendship through the Olympic spirit. Dedicated to helping Beijing 2008 spread its theme of One World, One Dream to every continent, Fuwa reflect the deep desire of the Chinese people to reach out to the world in friendship through the Games — and to invite every man, woman and child to take part in the great celebration of human solidarity that China will host in the light of the flame in 2008.
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??In China’s traditional culture and art, the fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest. And so Beibei carries the blessing of prosperity. A fish is also a symbol of surplus in Chinese culture, another measure of a good year and a good life.
??The ornamental lines of the water-wave designs are taken from well-known Chinese paintings of the past. Among Fuwa, Beibei is known to be gentle and pure. Strong in water sports, she reflects the blue Olympic ring.
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??Jingjing makes children smile — and that’s why he brings the blessing of happiness wherever he goes. You can see his joy in the charming naivety of his dancing pose and the lovely wave of his black and white fur. As a national treasure and a protected species, pandas are adored by people everywhere. The lotus designs in Jingjing’s headdress, which are inspired by the porcelain paintings of the Song Dynasty (A.D.960-1234), symbolize the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Jingjing was chosen to represent our desire to protect nature’s gifts — and to preserve the beauty of nature for all generations. Jingjing is charmingly na?ve and optimistic. He is an athlete noted for strength who represents the black Olympic ring.
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??In the intimate circle of Fuwa, Huanhuan is the big brother. He is a child of fire, symbolizing the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport — and passion is the blessing he bestows. Huanhuan stands in the center of Fuwa as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit. And while he inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger, he is also open and inviting. Wherever the light of Huanhuan shines, the inviting warmth of Beijing 2008 — and the wishful blessings of the Chinese people — can be felt. The fiery designs of his head ornament are drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals — with just a touch of China’s traditional lucky designs. Huanhuan is outgoing and enthusiastic. He excels at all the ball games and represents the red Olympic ring.
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??Like all antelopes, Yingying is fast and agile and can swiftly cover great stretches of land as he races across the earth. A symbol of the vastness of China’s landscape, the antelope carries the blessing of health, the strength of body that comes from harmony with nature. Yingying’s flying pose captures the essence of a species unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, one of the first animals put under protection in China. The selection of the Tibetan Antelope reflects Beijing commitment to a Green Olympics. His head ornament incorporates several decorative styles from the Qinghai-Tibet and Sinkiang cultures and the ethnic design traditions of Western China. Strong in track and field events, Yingying is a quick-witted and agile boy who represents the yellow Olympic ring.
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??Every spring and summer, the children of Beijing have flown beautiful kites on the currents of wind that blow through the capital. Among the kite designs, the golden-winged swallow is traditionally one of the most popular. Nini’s figure is drawn from this grand tradition of flying designs. Her golden wings symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing wherever she flies. Swallow is also pronounced “yan” in Chinese, and Yanjing is what Beijing was called as an ancient capital city. Among Fuwa, Nini is as innocent and joyful as a swallow. She is strong in gymnastics and represents the green Olympic ring.
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