Did you watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony earlier at 8:00pm? I did, and I couldn’t shut my jaw the entire time.
I knew Zhang Yimou and the Chinese Government had something up their sleeves – I just didn’t know their sleeves were that deep! The world watched with abated breath as segment after segment of the Opening Ceremony unfolded before our eyes, from within the heart of the Olympics ‘Birds’ Nest’ stadium.
Ninety-one thousand people. The clear song of a single Chinese girl in red under the glare of crimson lights, lifting the hearts of all. Dancers painting on a 20m by 11m parchment, against a kaleidescope backdrop of imagery filled with Chinese imagery. Countless dancers in lighted suits moving with machine-like precision with the rhythm of the song. Undulating printing press moulds forming the traditional and modern Chinese character for peace (和), as 3,000-strong scholars recite the wisdom of Confucius.The elegance of Taiji (太极) pugilists – 柔中带钢 – as they go through their moves, amidst a sea of lighted screens.
Tethered gymnasts sprinting along the globe as astronauts soar overhead.
By putting up this grand show, China has put the world in its place – future Olympics host nations will find it hard to top this, nor hold their opening ceremonies on a more auspicious date than 08.08.08.
Words alone just aren’t enough to describe the extravagance, opulence…and the immense pride of being Chinese. In moments like these, nationality no longer matters.
I am proud to be yellow-skinned – 中华民族的子弟.
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