The party reached its climax when all the children, more than 500 on and off stage, started to sing in chorus the Chinese song "A Grateful Heart" to say "thanks" and "goodbye" to each other.

The beautiful rhythm and moving tune of the song were accorded with hand languages from children of both countries. Sometimes, they opened arms; sometimes, they crossed arms in front of their chest; still other times, they made a heart with their fingers...

The performance was so engaging that, when coming to the very last part, it did not receive any applause or cheering. Instead was silence over the entire square and teardrops weltered in everyone's eyes.

But soon, sentiments gave way to hope and happiness again.

Deng Qingqing, the well-known girl who touched every Chinese people's heart by reading under torchlight when being buried under debris after the earthquake in May, said at the closing ceremony that, 20 days were short, yet long enough to understand a lot, such as love and gratefulness.

Though from different countries, they and their Russian counterparts will have the same wish -- an everlasting friendship between China and Russia, Deng added.

Fireworks lit the night at the end of the ceremony, a musical fountain started to blossom. Together with the gorgeous scene were overjoyed faces and cheering of all the children, as well as a promising future in their hands.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)