Much like Hollywood's red carpet, cultural events throughout the squares of Beijing in celebration of the Olympics, rolled out on August the 1st. Folk artists from all over China have joined forces to promote the Games and showcase their talents.

Dancers from Chongqing Municipality in Southwest China presented traditional performances imbued with passion and earthiness.  (Photo: CCTV.com)

 

Dancers from Chongqing Municipality in Southwest China presented traditional performances imbued with passion and earthiness.

Cao Guangyu, a folk artist, said, "I'm very much honored and pleased to perform in Beijing. I hope my performance at the Tian'anmen Square adds to the spirit of our country and helps to bring greater excitement to the Beijing Olympics."

One of the team's performances, a traditional Lion Dance,  captivated on-lookers as it recreated the atavistic energy of the King of Beasts.(Photo: CCTV.com)

South China's Guangdong Province sent a team of nearly 3-hundred artists. One of the team's performances, a traditional Lion Dance, captivated on-lookers as it recreated the atavistic energy of the King of Beasts.