A series of Olympic cultural activities are being performed in Tiananmen square. CCTV reporter Yang Shanshan shows us how the Games are being welcomed in the heart of Beijing.

Tiananmen square is pulsing with drum rhythms.

A series of Olympic cultural activities are being performed in Tiananmen Square.

With only a week before the big event, Chinese folk artists are gathering here and using their talents to welcome the Olympics.

Many of them feel very proud. 

Wang Xiaodong, performer Shanxi province, said, "I came to Beijing just to cheer for the Olympics and cheer for China."

A series of Olympic cultural activities are being performed in Tiananmen Square.

The artists come from across the country and over the next three weeks, they will perform folk arts at the square. There are also some local residents joining them in traditional Yange dances.

Liu Feng, Beijing resident, said, "The Olympics are coming soon. We are very excited. We want to perform the most graceful dance to welcome the event."

A series of Olympic cultural activities are being performed in Tiananmen Square.

The two and a half hour performance can be seen each morning. The organizer hopes visitors from overseas will enjoy another perspective of China.

Ruan Lanyu, Vice Director Beijing Olympic Cultural Activities Office, said, "We hope guests from various countries and regions can feel the charm of Chinese culture and feel the real life of Chinese people."

The performance at Tiananmen square is just part of Beijing's cultural efforts to welcome the Olympics. During the Games, many performances will be held in parks and squares across the city.

(CCTV August 3, 2008)