Closing Ceremony - A Musical Gala in Full Swing

Drums thundered. Fireworks exploded. Hands held. Arms extended. As the Olympic flame went out at the Bird's Nest, Beijing turned the closing ceremony which packed with more than 90 thousand spectators into a jolly farewell party. Chinese, and world famous artists including Andy Lau, Kelly Chan from Hong Kong, Stefanie Sun from Singapore, Lee-Hom Wang from America, Rain from Korea staged a musical gala to a global audience. Chinese soprano Song Zuying and Spanish tenor Placido Dominggo perform a beautiful melody full of Chinese elements The Flame of Love for the closing ceremony.

Lead by Jacky Chan, 12 world known singers festively singing "Please Stay, Guest From afar," pushing the closing extravaganza to an exciting climax.

Guangzhou Builds on the Experiences of Beijing Olympics

Beijing Olympic Games brings so much passion, surprise and excitement over the last 16 days. Experts and sports personnel in Guangzhou thought the Beijing Games were exceptionably commendable. Journalist Lin Shuhua has more.

Besides outstanding results and gold medals, Beijing Olympic Games also give us new ideas on city regulation and development. Professor Wang Runping of Guangzhou Sport University said:

"Certain experience could be drawn on city development, state developing direction as well as state policy from Beijing Olympic Games. The Beijing Games were wholly organized and operated by international standards. Environmental protecting, pollution controlling, transporting, service as well as managing are all in line with international practice."

As an open coastal city, Guangzhou will embrace more international events with broader horizons. Learning the experiences from Beijing, running a successful Asian Games is the first priority.

Deputy Director of Sports Bureau of Guangzhou Mr.Fang Da'er, acting as an Asian Games observer in Beijing, said:

"Asian Games are an extension of the Olympic Games. Introducing spirits and ideas as well as audience's enthusiasm and attention of Beijing Olympic Games to Guangzhou Asian Games is significant. This is also a necessary and effective way of establishing a brand and popularizing Guangzhou Asian Games. Guangzhou Games will have more competitive events than Beijing Games, venues construction and rebuilding is a heavy and the most important task we are facing now."