Beijing, Sept 29: It will be five years before Beijing hosts the 2008 Olympic Games -- but China is already in the grip of Olympic fever. By the looks of things, it appears to be the opening ceremony of China's first ever Olympic games. But it's not 2008 yet when the Olympic torch makes its way to Beijing to start the coveted international competition. Instead China's flexing its cultural muscle in a bid to promote the Games and show the world what the once reclusive Communist state is all about. Against the backdrop of the Great Wall, a sea of synchronized Tai Chi performers display the traditional Oriental meditation practice. So far, this martial art isn't classified as an Olympic discipline, a rule that many Chinese would to like to change.


Although the Wall is a symbol of the country's mighty past, the Chinese have their sights set on the future.


Hosting the Olympics is a matter of national pride and a sign of the nation's modernization. But judging by this breathtaking performance, it seems China's already walking away with Olympic gold in promotion before the Games have even begun.

Bureau Report