Bai Yansong (L), renowned host with Beijing-based China Central Television, and Taiwan entertainer Lin Chi-ling together host the release party for "Beijing Welcomes You," a song celebrating the 100-day countdown to the Beijing Olympic Games, April 17, 2008. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

To mark the 100-day countdown to the 2008 Olympic Games, a beautiful ballad called "Beijing Welcomes You" debuted in Beijing on April 17, 2008. About 100 Chinese musicians took part in composing and performing the song to express Chinese people's hospitality.
Listen to the full song

Themed "One World One Dream", the ballad expresses Chinese people's warm welcome to the world.

Zhao Dongming, director of BOCOG Cultural Activities Department, said "Beijing Welcomes You" seems like a common and simple greeting, but it expresses Chinese people's confidence and sincerity.

"'Beijing Welcomes You' is a greeting we often hear. It also accompanies the whole process of preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games. In the next 100 days it will convey more special meanings. It shows Chinese people's happiness and confidence in bringing the world a successful Olympic Games."

Taking about one month and half, the song was written by renowned Hong Kong writer Lam Jik and composed by famous musician Xiao Ke, who explained that "Beijing Welcomes You" is a ballad.

"I chose the ballad form. It is quite different from derry and nursery rhymes. Derry is the music form for the elderly and nursery rhymes are music for kids. But you can sing ballad regardless of how old you are."

The melody of the song was inspired by a Beijing local ballad called "Shui Niu", which are snails that come out in rainy days. Kids in Beijing like to rear Shui Niu and sing songs to attract these small animals to come out of their shells.

The beautiful music makes the song very easy to learn and sing. Hong Kong pop singer Joey Yung said the song brings her good memories of Beijing.

"I feel comfort from singing this song. It brings back some good memories. I enjoy it very much!"

"Beijing Welcomes You" attracted many celebrities such as Hong Kong pop star Nicholas Tse, Taiwan top model Lin Chi-ling and mainland singer and actor Lin Yilun. They have not only attended the releasing ceremony of "Beijing Welcomes You" but will also participate in shooting a music video for the song in the capital in the next few days.

The music video version of "Beijing Welcomes You" will debut on April 30, 2008, exactly 100 days before the opening of the Being Olympic Games. A spectacular gala is also planned to mark the occasion and more than 10,000 local citizens are expected to take part in a marathon to celebrate.

(CRI April 23, 2008)