Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

Hundreds of overseas Chinese join a parade in support of the Beijing Olympics yesterday at the Hollywood Walk of Fame in California. China News Service Inset: More than 3,000 Chinese students and overseas Chinese sign on a banner in support of the Beijing Olympics in downtown Amsterdam yesterday. (Source: China Daily/Zhang Jun) Photo Gallery>>>

    Editor's note: More than 100 Chinese artists sent a joint letter to counterparts worldwide inviting them to Beijing for a celebration of arts and sports during the Olympic Games in August. Below is a translation of the full text:

    Let's Meet in Beijing - An open letter to worldwide artists

    In 2008, the Olympic torch will be touring the Earth. Everywhere it goes, it lights not only hope, but also dreams; it transmits not only spirit, but also belief. Being in the global spotlight, Beijing is being bathed in the genial sunshine, joyful and peaceful, waiting for not only contest, but also a happy get-together; expecting victory, but even more so, aiming for mutual prosperity.

    We may have different complexions and we may have different languages, but our belief in art and our art-inspired hearts have been in communion. The upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics is not only an international sports event, it should also be an occasion for worldwide artists to gather and conduct exchanges. At this time of worldwide aspirations, we extend our sincere invitation to artists in the world:

    Let's meet in Beijing to make joint efforts to promote a grand event, and to hold high the same banner - "One World, One Dream" - inspired by the Olympic spirit.

    During the Olympics, Beijing has, acting on the spirit of a "People's Olympics", prepared a cultural feast for the world: Various artistic forms including opera, ballet, modern dance, folk dance, traditional Chinese drama and opera, acrobatics, folk music, symphonies and evening galas, will be staged. Exhibitions on examples of intangible cultural heritage and modern art will be held to demonstrate to the world the great successes of incessant innovation in modern Chinese art and the fineness and diversity of traditional Chinese culture. More than 20,000 artists from various parts of the world and foreign artistic troupes will also gather in Beijing, where you can enjoy classical plays by well-known artists and distinguished performances from various regions and nations in the world.

    Adhering to the pursuit of peace, friendship and progress of the International Olympic Committee, we would like to provide a cultural and artistic platform for mutual exchange among different countries and regions, jointly showcasing the humanistic spectacle of the civilized and harmonious development of mankind, to convey the good wishes of "One World, One Dream" hailed by the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and to express Chinese people's determination and sincerity in following the concept of "mutually drawing on experiences, seeking common ground while putting aside differences, respecting diversity in the world, and mutually promoting the prosperity and progress of the civilization of mankind".

    This is a grand event of sports and Beijing has prepared the cheering flags. This is a grand occasion of culture and Beijing has prepared the welcoming drinks. Under Beijing's blue sky, we spread our friendly wings to sincerely invite you again - Let's meet in Beijing in 2008!

    (Source: China Daily)