Source: CCTV.com

06-26-2008 09:15

As all Chinese people are getting into the Olympic spirit, the sixth Olympic Cultural Festival opens to add more sparkle to the flame. The festival kicked off Monday in Qingdao, with a line up of stars - at an evening gala.

Olympic Cultural Festival opens Monday in Qingdao, with a line up of stars - at an evening gala.(Photo: CCTV.com)

Heavy rain didn't affect the enthusiasm of spectators. Over ten thousand turned out for Monday's event to catch the spirit of the Games.

"An ode to the Olympics" performed by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra started the program. Qingdao, in east China, will host the sailing competitions for the Olympics. An appearance by the Chinese sailing team was the evening's climax.

Olympic Cultural Festival opens Monday in Qingdao, with a line up of stars - at an evening gala.(Photo: CCTV.com)

Singer/actor Huang Xiaoming, a native of Qingdao - Olympic champion Gao Min and Hong Kong pop heavyweight Allen Tam highlighted part two. It was the part of the gala, that focused on the Sichuan earthquake and relief efforts still underway in that province. Each of the participants shared his personal experiences visiting the quake devastated region.

During the next 20 days, the festival will stoke up Olympic fever - with a program of activities running from day into night.