Now the whole world seems to be a curious child inebriated with great expectations about the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games. Retrospect to the 7-year vicissitudes, from 2001 to 2008, during which Beijing has astoundingly turned itself from a controversial Olympic bidder to a respectable Olympic host, the cultural-enriched slogans not only witnessed the nation’s resilience in choreographing the grand gathering but also the remarkable progress of the Chinese society.
In 2001, eight years after a narrow and unexpected defeat to the bidding rival Sydney, Beijing is ready for an ambitious comeback. Compared to 1993, Beijing has undergone tremendous changes and eager to showcase its stunning rise to a global powerhouse, which led to the emergence of "New Beijing, Great Olympics", the slogan Beijing used during its bid for the 2008 Games, suggesting that Beijing, a city with a history of more than 3,000 years, and one of the world's fastest growing , was the most favorable candidate to stage the Games.
On July 13, 2001, ending months of speculation, the International Olympic Committee awarded the 2008 Olympics to Beijing. Since then, China has gradually translated the slogan “New Beijing, Great Olympics” into action.
The building of the dazzling Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, the design of the Chinese Seal and Fuwa, and the integration of gold and jade in the Olympic Medals, all of which vividly illustrate the concept of a “Great Olympics”.
To fulfill the promise of “New Beijing”, city authorities invest heavily in public transport. The road network is set to be improved and the subway system extended in a bid to reduce air pollution from traffic congestion and heavy industry.
On June 26, 2005, "One World One Dream", the new Olympic slogan was unveiled in Beijing's Workers' Gymnasium. From “New Beijing, Great Olympics” to “One World One Dream”, the focus of the new slogan shift from the city itself to the universal values of the Olympic Movement, such as unity, friendship, harmony and dream.
