The Chinese dance, performed at the Closing Ceremony of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, was directed by Zhang Yimou.

The Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will last approximately 3 hours and express the theme of "One World One Dream". It will not only encapsulate 5000 years of Chinese history and civilization, but also showcase China's modernization. Additionally, the director of the opening ceremony, Zhang Yimou, has promised it will celebrate the arts of China's 56 ethnic groups.

According to the Lanzhou Daily, ethnic dance troupes are already rehearsing Tibetan dances, Anhui drum dances, Yunnan flower dances and Shandong yangko opera. "Taihai Net" also reported that Taiwan indigenous people will present a traditional dance at the ceremony.

One of the high spots of the opening ceremony is sure to be the fireworks show – to remind people that one of ancient China's proud achievements was the inventions of gunpowder.

Director Zhang Yimou has also indicated that the ceremony will feature pictures of the beautiful smiling faces of thousands of children from all five continents.

But Chef Zhang will keep us in suspense about his main recipes for the "big opening ceremony meal". Let's sit back, be patient, and enjoy the feast on August 8th.

(China.org.cn July 9, 2008)