Andy Honeywell, like many other passersby, halted when he was touring the Times Square, an iconic world landmark and symbol of New York where the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympics was broadcast live Friday night on a huge outdoor LCD screen.

"Whenever I thought of China, two pictures would slip into my mind: the Great Wall and clusters of factories," said Honeywell after the ceremony. "What I have seen tonight has totally smashed my fixed ideas and concepts about China."

"China is a great nation that is culturally and economically rich," said Honeywell, adding that China's science and technology are making headway and its people are "open minded, mentally healthy and peaceful."

Honeywell, a well-educated blonde-haired man in his late 30s, said that he always asked himself a question -- why could China become one of the world's leading economies?

"The opening ceremony has helped erase that big question mark that has puzzled me for many years," he said.

The Chinese people are extremely "creative and incredibly imaginative," and thus could always make miracles happen by making the best use of limited resources, he said.

Besides, the Chinese people are always unified on things of major concern, which make things much easier, he said.

Noting that rich cultural legacy sometimes can be a "burden" if not properly used, Honeywell said China, however, has turned its rich cultural heritage into the greatest power which helps drive its economy and other walks of life forward.

David Cliff, a fashion designer who was enjoying the night scene together with his girl friend Megan Woods, said the opening ceremony has effectively helped him understand China better.

"The big screen seized my attention instantly after I casually cast a side-look at the big screen," said Cliff, who watched the show on the sidewalk opposite the big screen.

Overcome by emotions, Cliff said many Americans, including himself, have very poor knowledge about China.

"I bet that this opening ceremony that carries a very strong message of peace and friendship will help those who do not understand China well recast their concept of the country," he said.

"The opening ceremony is the best, and also the most appropriate advertisement, for China," he said.

Although the world is closely linked by Internet, many Americans, however, only knew China by the Great Wall, he said. But things began changing for the better ever since Beijing won the bid in 2001 to host the Olympics, which has allured more people to pay attention to this big oriental country, he said.

Olympics has helped Americans know the Bird's Nest, Water Tube and many other things about China and Beijing, said Cliff.

Echoing her boy friend, Megan Woods said she would save more so that she could see with her own eyes the city that has brought her the amazing feeling of beauty.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)