A landmark on the Great Wall features Beijing Olympic Slogan and Emblem.[BOCOG]

Cai Fuchao, member of the Standing Committee and director of the Publicity Department of CPC Beijing Municipal Committee as well as chairman of the Festival delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. BOCOG Executive Vice-President Liu Jingmin declared the festival open. The ceremony was chaired by BOCOG Executive Vice-President Jiang Xiaoyu.

At the ceremony, Liu Jingmin, together with Tang Xiaoquan, BOCOG executive vice-president and vice-president of China Disabled Persons' Federation, and Zhang Shiping, general secretary of All-China Women's Federation unveiled a landmark, which was erected over the hills of the Great Wall and consists of Beijing Olympic Slogan and Emblem.

A 2008-metre-long scroll painted by one million Chinese children from over 200 cities across the country was displayed on the Great Wall. The painting expressed the young generation's passion for the Olympic Games. Aside from that, local folk art troupes and well-known singers performed at the ceremony.

The theme of this year's cultural festival is "Experience the Civilization & Enjoy the Olympic Games". Organizers seek to inspire the public and encourage their participation as the Olympic Games are just a little over two years away.

Attending the ceremony were representatives from Beijing Municipal Government, co-host cities, the diplomatic community in Beijing and Olympic sponsors. It also attracted a big crowd from the local community.