BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The following is a preview of the artistic performance staged at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday night.

    The closing ceremony focuses on the theme of "harmony, friendship and joy," and consists of three chapters.

    CHAPTER 1: REUNION

    Exciting drumbeats summon people to gather under the Olympic flag; beautiful and melodious silver bells glistening with bright radiance light up the dream in people's hearts.

    The beautiful melody arouses the upsurge of the joyful celebrations; the glittering bright light makes the joyful atmosphere reach the climax.

    CHAPTER 2: MEMORY -- EXTINGUISHING THE OLYMPIC FLAME

    This performance is the highlight of the whole ceremony. By means of brand new space of visual image and original form of body performance, the spectacular moments in the 16 days of Beijing Olympic Games are shown magically to the world audience.

    When the holy flame of the Games is extinguished, a "holy Olympic flame burning forever" performance conveys to the whole world the Olympic spirit of man's pursuit of "Citius, Altius, Fortius." It lauds the spirit of the athletes who strive to excel during the Beijing Olympic Games, and also highlights the precious memories of the Games.

    CHAPTER 3: CARNIVAL

    At the moment of passionately celebrating the successful conclusion of the Beijing Games, famous Chinese and foreign artists take the stage in succession and sing together, sending the best wishes from Beijing with songs and building a bridge of friendship with dances. All athletes revel in the stadium and celebrate friendship.