Source: CCTV.com

01-02-2009 13:29

All of China watched with pride as the long-awaited 2008 Beijing Olympics opened on August 8th. China's National Stadium, the Bird's Nest, came alive with a magnificent display of the country's five-thousand years of history and culture. The spectacular 50-minute performance caught the attention of the world.

All of China watched with pride as the long-awaited 2008 Beijing Olympics opened on August 8th.

Following the May 12th Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan province, people across China gave from the heart, donating money and supplies to help millions of quake victims. Charity concerts were held from south to north. Artists, singers, actors, directors, sports stars across the Taiwan Strait joined hands to help.

The glories of ancient Greece came to China. A one year project showcased the culture that became the cradle of Western Civilization. The Cultural Year of Greece in China is the largest cultural exchange between China and Greece since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1978.

Following the May 12th Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan province, people across China gave from the heart, donating money and supplies to help millions of quake victims.

But China also showcased its culture to the world. China Film Week toured around the globe. From epic movies to Kungfu films, from comedy to documentary, the films gave foreign audiences a bridge to China's past and present.

2008 marks the 30th Anniversary of China's reform and opening up. Throughout the past three decades artists have recorded the changes to their motherland. From landscapes to scenes of every day life, their works present a panorama of an ever-changing China cherishing traditional culture and values while embracing modern development.