Not only will Beijing become a sports arena during the August Games, but also host over 100 overseas performances and about 60 art exhibitions from May 23 until the end of September.

"During these three months, about 10,000 artists from 81 countries and regions will come to Beijing, and present their brilliant performances to audiences from all over the world," Meng Xiaosi, Chinese Vice Minister of Culture, told reporters at the opening ceremony of "Meet in Beijing: 2008 Olympic Major Cultural Events" on May 12.

"We invite all the Olympic athletes, volunteers, Olympic venue construction workers, students, citizens and all tourists from home and abroad to Beijing to participate in the diversity of cultural and artistic activities," she added, sending a "cultural invitation" to the world.

A special ticket package plan was also launched at the opening ceremony so that everyone can get a dose of the arts. The plan is designed for five groups of people, including families, students, athletes, Olympic volunteers and arts fans, according to Zhang Yu, whose organization is sponsoring the ticket package.

The artistic forms on show during the period include opera, ballet, modern dance, folk dance, folk music, symphonies and evening galas. Audiences are expected to total 2 million.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra from the United States, was especially recommended as a highlight of the event by 81-year-old Wu Zuqiang, professor and honorary director of China Central Conservatory of Music who attended the news briefing yesterday.

"The orchestra fuses swing and orchestral music," Zhang said, adding he was looking forward to listening to their live performances.

The public can order tickets on the website en.piaowutong.com/ or can call 64069999.