The government of Beijing, China's capital, has recruited famous film director Zhang Yimou to promote the city.

Zhang created two promotional film clips, "I am in Beijing" and "Beijing Celebrates the National Day", which have been broadcast by the US-based global news TV station, CNN.

Viewers living in over 200 nations and regions watched the promotions, said a spokesman of the city government.

The two clips tell about the history, culture and development in the city, and mark the 850th anniversary of Beijing as China's capital.

They have received a positive response from foreign viewers, the spokesman said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2003)