Chinese central authorities have congratulated Chinese athletes on their "achievement of a major historic breakthrough", and "significant contributions" to the Beijing Olympic Games.

Liu Xiang and Zhang Xiangxiang take a photo together before  attending Chinese Olympic team's banquet.(Xinhua)

Athletes and coaches, including Liu Xiang, Yao Ming, and all the Chinese medalists from the Games, gathered at the Great Hall of the People where they were received by BOCOG officials.

By scoring the best ever result at the Olympic Games with 51 gold, 21 silver and 28 bronze medals, the 639 member sports delegation topped the gold medal table.

China dominated in both men's and women's weightlifting, winning eight golds, only one less than gymnastics. Other traditional sports of the country were also guaranteed in diving, table tennis and badminton.

More notably, the host nation won its first ever medals in sailing, beach volleyball and field hockey, in addition to the five in shooting and solos in archery, fencing, rowing, canoeing, swimming, and taekwondo.