Spectacular fireworks bursting over the National Stadium and National Aquatics Center herald the opening of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. by Lars Baron/Getty Images/CFP

Welcoming friends from around the world, 2,008 percussion artists beat Fou drums while chanting a well-known Confucian saying: “Friends have come from afar, how happy we are!" The “Fou,” originally an ancient container of food and drink, later evolved into a drum instrument. Singing while beating the Fou is a form of musical performance characteristic of ancient China, with a history dating back to the Xia Dynasty, more than 3,000 years ago. by Lin Yi

“All men under heaven are brothers,” a famous saying of Confucius, here chanted by his “3,000 disciples.” by Chen Jian/China Pictorial

A performance representing the ancient Chinese invention of movable-type printing, conveying traditional Chinese philosophy with the Chinese character “和,” meaning harmony. by Guo Xiaoyong

Represented upon this expansive scroll is the long history of an ancient civilization. by Lucy Nicholson

A performance of traditional Chinese operas. by Lin Yi

Of the hundreds of traditional Chinese operas, “Peking Opera” is the best known form. by Paul Gilham/Getty Images/CFP

Modeling ancient clothing of China. IC

Representing a “flying apsaras” dancing along the ancient “Silk Road.” by Paul Gilham/Getty Images/CFP

Representing the “Maritime Silk Road,” an ocean path formed by voyager and goodwill emissary Zheng He during the course of his seven voyages to the Western Seas, 600 years ago. by Chen Jian/China Pictorial

In ancient times, the far-reaching Maritime Silk Road was a vital passage spreading the culture and goodwill of Chinese civilization. CFP

In gorgeous garb, performers pass the flowing scroll, expressing the traditional and unfailing courtesy of a nation and her people. by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images/CFP

A “Dove of Peace,” formed by lights. by Guo Xiaoyong

The Bird’s Nest is transformed to gracious green by a thousand performers. by Adam Pretty/Getty Images/CFP

Welcoming friends from all over the world, in precise and resounding rhythm, 2,008 performers beat Fou drums while chanting a well-known saying of Confucius, shortened to “Friends have come from afar, how happy we are!” Then, 29 colossal footprints formed by fireworks and symbolizing the 29 Olympiads burst in the sky in a sequence along Beijing’s central axis from south to north all the way to the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest).
The one-hour performance, staged during the opening ceremony of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, and involving more than 10,000 performers, was an inspiring presentation of sound, light, and multi-media technology. The overall thematic goal was to present to the world a long scroll of the age-old Chinese civilization. Highlighted to wildly dramatic degree were the historic “Four Great Inventions” and the ancient Chinese arts, including poetry, music, dance, drama, painting, calligraphy, and architecture.
In this hour billions followed the historical scroll, tracing the impressive tale of China and her cooperative engagement with the rest of the world.
A Silken Path

It was about 2,000 years ago that the West began to develop an interest in China, then thought of as a mysterious Oriental civilization.
According to historical documents, Julius Caesar once visited a theater in Rome wearing a gorgeously designed, soft-texture robe, which drew much attention and admiration from officials, merchants and the noble ladies on hand. That robe was made of Chinese silk, and the ancient Romans had never before seen such a smooth, fine, and shimmery fabric. Not long after, garments made of Chinese silk were in vogue throughout the Roman Empire.
In those ancient times, because Chinese silk was transported to Rome only by nomads, its price was particularly high, and the empire realized a financial deficit due to the extensive import of silk. The Roman Senate then promulgated an order banning the sale and wearing of Chinese silk, but this edict was soon overruled after strong opposition from the nobles.
In the 2nd Century B.C., a poetically named trade route between China and Rome, the Silk Road, came into being, linking together two ancient civilizations of mankind.
One Person, One Path
In 139 B.C., Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – A. D. 220) commissioned Zhang Qian to lead a diplomatic expedition westward to form an alliance with the Darouzhi, a Central Asian people suffering under the aggressive action of Xiongnu (Hun). The fierce nomads had been driven westward from their homeland to live as fugitives. Despite a diplomatic setback, beyond his expectation, Zhang opened up what would become a historic, vital trade link between China and the West.
This was a path transporting the then most-coveted product of international trade, Chinese silk, as well as the fine goods of other cultures. It was via this trade route that Chinese culture crossed snow-capped mountains and vast deserts to mingle with the ancient Indian, Persian, Arabic, Greek, and Roman cultures, to finally spread around the world.
Along the dust-blown ancient route, the Oriental fabric reflected the glow of the sun; tea leaves emitted pleasant fragrance; and chinaware displayed a lustrous artistic beauty. Meanwhile, being transported along the road were the civilizations of Central Asia and West Asia, as well as species.
Despite its 2,000 years of history, this route seems not far from the Chinese people, and its traces can be found on today’s Chinese tables. Cucumber, for example, originated in India and was introduced from the Western Regions by the Han envoy Zhang Qian. Sesame, another example, originated on the tropical grasslands in southern Africa, and was introduced by Zhang Qian from Dawan (an ancient Central Asian kingdom located in today’s Fergana Basin, straddling the territories of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan), as recorded by historical documents like Qi Min Yao Shu (Important Arts for the People's Welfare), a Sixth-Century agricultural classic, and Meng Xi Bi Tan (Dream Stream Essays), a scientific book composed by Shen Kuo in the period from 1086 to 1093.
Also notable was the trade in grapes. Originating on the coastal regions of Asia Minor and earlier planted in Xinjiang (part of the Western Regions in ancient times), grapes were introduced by Zhang Qian to the Central Plains via the Silk Road.
Introduced alongside grapes was the drinkable byproduct — wine, which was very popular with the people of the Central Plains. In the beginning, due to its rarity, wine was only consumed by imperial families, high-ranking officials, and nobles. Then, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), thanks to the introduction of brewing techniques, grape wine prevailed. As described in a famous Tang poem, “Fine grape wine in a fluorescent cup; before I could drink, the summons of the mounted lute player beckons.” Then wine was available even to frontier garrison soldiers. In the Tang capital, Chang’an (today’s Xi’an City), there were many pubs featuring grape wine served by exotically beautiful women, and to these places were attracted artists and men of letters.
Friends from Afar
Some 2,000 years ago, Confucius was a great philosopher respected by the Chinese as a saint. Based on his thoughts and propositions, his disciples compiled an influential classic, The Analects of Confucius, which begins with “Is it not a joy to be able to practice what we learn? Is it not a pleasure to have friends visiting from afar?”
Before other philosophical propositions, Confucius first informed his disciples of the joy of learning and the delight of making new friends. This testifies the hospitality and all-inclusive traditions of the Chinese people since ancient times.
Such hospitality and tolerance reached a peak during the Tang Dynasty.
The Tang carried on frequent communications with foreign countries. While accommodating diplomatic envoys, nobles, merchants, scholars, artists, monks, and tourists from different nations, Tang also sent envoys, monks, and merchants abroad. In the zenith period, Tang maintained friendships with more than 70 countries in Asia and Africa.
The Tang capital, Chang’an, was, indeed, a cosmopolitan city.
Here in Chang’an, the exiled prince and nobles of Persia (Iran), gem merchants from Dashi (Arab lands), students from Japan, and former slaves from East Africa and Java lived as neighbors.
For sale in the same market could be horses and furs from Tubo (Tibet) and Kangju (a nomad people in Central Asia), ostriches from Arab lands, peacocks from India, copper ware from Persia, and rhinoceros from Java.
The faithful of Buddhism, Taoism, Nestorianism, and Zoroastrianism, as well as Islamic refugees, all had their places of worship.
Guozijian (Imperial College) accepted a large number of foreign students, and more than 5,000 exotic families resided in the capital city. The many foreigners doing business there gradually merged into the lives of the Chinese people.

Tai Chi, a gentle form of martial arts embodying an age-old Chinese philosophy: “Harmonious Integration of Man and Nature.” by Jin Tian/CFP

“Five Rings.” by Chen Jian/China Pictorial

Vocal artists Liu Huan of China and Sarah Brightman of the UK together sing the Opening Ceremony Theme Song “You and Me.” by Adam Pretty/Getty Images/CFP

National Stadium, immersed in glittering fireworks. by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/CFP

The smiling faces of 2,008 children representing many nations and the Beijing Olympics theme, “One World, One Dream.” by Chen Jian/China Pictorial

An airborne Li Ning, bearing the Olympic torch on its final leg, circles the National Stadium. CFP

Gymnastics legend and gold medalist Li Ning lights the Olympic torch. by Paul Gilham/Getty Images/CFP

The lighting of the Olympic flame, witnessed by all the audiences around the globe. by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images/CFP

Mounted on their Persian steeds, Afghanis and Syrians served the Tang troops. Nearly 100,000 Dashi merchants resided in today’s city of Guangzhou. Many foreign students attended the imperial examinations and, if successful, some would secure an official position of the Tang. A famous example was Cui Zhiyuan, who at the age of 13 came from Xinluo (Korea), passed the imperial examination at 19, and went on to serve as vice magistrate of Lishui County for the Tang court.
Like today’s youngsters, competing to follow the latest trends of Paris and London, back in the Tang the music, horses, and costumes from the Western Regions came to vogue, particularly in the cities of Chang’an and Luoyang.
Most Persian women wore earrings, and the Chang’an ladies followed suit, naming the earrings “Buyao,” literarily meaning “step swaying.” They also followed the styles of Indian women in wearing shawls.
In Chang’an, polo, introduced from Persia, gained in popularity. Emperor Taizong, Li Shimin, had a special love for the sport, and Emperor Xuanzong was an excellent player. For the scholars and men of letters, the contention for the ball was not only carried out on horseback, but also on the ground – sometimes to the accompaniment of music introduced from Japan.
The Western Regions trends also influenced Chinese customs. According to the earlier Central Plains culture, when having meals, people sat or knelt at a small table. During the Tang, the stool was introduced from Western Regions, and due to its heightened convenience it soon became popular. Also introduced were large tables, capable of containing large pieces of meat or even an entire cooked animal. Gradually, the Chinese came to sit at circular tables for meals, and this custom remains today.
Great Inventions

Today, many foreigners practice the Chinese language and have taken a Chinese name; some have even learned how to write with the brush pen. Few, though, would know that the brush pen, a symbol of Chinese culture, was actually invented by Meng Tian (?-210 B.C.), a general of the State of Qin during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.).
Meng Tian once led his troops in a long campaign against the State of Chu, and he was required to report to the King of the Qin at regular intervals. In those days, people dipped bamboo sticks into ink to write on silk cloth. If they took too little ink, they would have to pause to dip again after forming only a few characters; if they took too much ink, it may drip and stain the precious silk. Considering this drawback, General Meng decided to reform the writing device.
During the warring period, Meng liked to spend his leisure time hunting. One day he captured several wild rabbits. On his way back to the camp, he noticed that one of the deceased captives he carried was so large that its tail dropped to touch the ground, leaving a curving trail of blood along the path. The general was inspired, the brush pen came to be, and one of the “Four Treasures of the Study” of traditional Chinese culture became a part of history.
However, the latest archaeologist discovery proved that early in the Yangshao Culture period some 6,000 years ago, China witnessed the use of the brush pen.
No matter whoever will be crowned as the inventor of brush pen, it is undisputedly that brush pen, and Chinese calligraphy as well, became a symbolic element of traditional Chinese culture.
Besides the writing brush, also well-known to the world are the Four Great Inventions of China.
Today, as we turn the pages of written documents, we do so thanks to the invention of paper, which bade farewell to an age when people reviewed texts on tortoise shells and bamboo strips.
As one of the Four Great Inventions, paper-making spread to the West during the Tang period. In 755, to help a Central Asian kingdom invaded by Dashi, Tang Emperor dispatched an expedition headed by General Gao Xianzhi. But Gao was defeated in what is today Kyrgyzstan and along with the many Tang soldiers captured, were paper-making artisans. Dashi then grasped the technology and established mills to make paper. It was from here that Chinese paper-making technology was later introduced to Europe, to a great extent promoting cultural development of the West. In 1150, the first European paper-making plant began operating in Spain.
In the late Tang, saltpeter was introduced to the Arabian area. Saltpeter is a principal ingredient of gunpowder, dubbed as “Chinese Snow” by the Arabs. In the 13th Century, British philosopher Francis Bacon recorded the secret formula of gunpowder in his own book.
During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Bi Sheng invented movable-type printing. By the 13th Century, Korea had learned printing with metal movable type. Two centuries later, with movable type, Johannes Gutenberg of Germany printed the first book of Europe — The Gutenberg Bible.
Some 2,000 years ago, the Chinese had already discovered magnets and their directional uses. After the Tang Dynasty, along with the development of ocean navigation, the magnetic compass was invented. In his Meng Xi Bi Tan (Dream Stream Essays), Northern Song scientist Shen Kuo provided a detailed description of the making and application of the compass. Three centuries later, the exploring fleet of Prince Henry of Portugal was equipped with compasses. The beginning of the history of geographical discovery heralded an age of modern civilization in the West.
One Home
The progression of civilization, leading to better communications between China and the West, was to accelerate. Beginning in 1406, the Ming eunuch Zheng He led an enormous fleet and carried out seven voyages to the Western Seas, spreading Chinese culture beyond the nation. The frequent visits of Western missionaries and businesspeople introduced a vivid, true face of China to the West.
It is said that today’s popular Italian-style pasta actually originated from Chinese noodles brought to Europe by Italian traveler Marco Polo. To preserve the fresh noodles for the long journey to Italy, they first dried the noodles. In his book A New Exploration of Marco Polo, the Italian traveler meticulously recorded the proper method for drying the noodles.
Today, for the Italians and the people of other nations, it is no longer difficult to find Chinese noodles. Chinese restaurants are common around the world, and convenient transportation now delivers delicious Chinese cuisine and the Chinese people’s hospitality to every corner of the world.
As witnessed by the camel bells along the ancient Silk Road, the exotic music resounding in the Tang capital of Chang’an, and the billowing sails of Zheng He’s fleet, in her long history China has remained willing to embrace other civilizations.
Today, in the 21st Century, with her arms open even wider, China awaits guests from around the world. And, on the global stage of the Olympic Games, China signals her sentiment of government and citizen: The people of all nations share a single home.