Chinese artists sent a welcoming message in an open letter to their counterparts worldwide on Sunday, inviting them to come to Beijing to enjoy the feast of both art and sports during the August Olympic Games.

Following is the translation of the full text:

Let's Meet in Beijing

-- An open letter to worldwide artists

In 2008, the Olympic torch is touring the Earth. Everywhere it goes it lights not only hope, but also dreams; it transmits not only spirit, but also belief. Being in the global spotlight, Beijing is bathed in the genial sunshine, joyful and peaceful, waiting for not only contest, but also a happy get-together; expecting victory, but eying even more mutual prosperity.

We may have different complexions and we may have different languages, but our belief in art and our art-inspired hearts have been in communion. The upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics is not only an international sports event, it should also be an occasion for worldwide artists to gather and conduct exchanges. At this time of worldwide aspirations, we extend our sincere invitation to artists in the world: Let's meet in Beijing to make joint efforts to promote a grand event, and to hold high the same banner -- "One World One Dream" -- inspired by the Olympic spirit.

During the Olympics, Beijing has, acting on the spirit of "People's Olympics", prepared a cultural feast for the world: various artistic forms including opera, ballet, modern dance, folkdance, symphony, traditional Chinese drama and opera, acrobatics, folk music, evening gala would be staged and exhibitions on intangible cultural heritage and modern art would be held to demonstrate to the world the great successes of incessant innovation in modern Chinese art and the fine and diverse traditional Chinese culture. More than 20,000 artists from various parts of the world and foreign artistic troupes will also gather in Beijing, where you could enjoy classical plays by well-known artists and distinguished performances from various regions and nations in the world.

Adhering to the pursuit of peace, friendship and progress of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), we would like to provide a cultural and artistic platform for mutual exchange among different countries and regions, jointly showcasing the humanistic spectacle of the civilized and harmonious development of mankind, to convey the good wishes of "One World One Dream" hailed by the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and to express Chinese people's determination and sincerity to stick to the concept of "mutually drawing on experiences, seeking common ground while putting aside differences, respecting diversity in the world, mutually promoting prosperity and progress of the civilization of mankind".

This is a grand event of sports and Beijing has prepared cheering flags.

This is a grand occasion of culture and Beijing has prepared welcoming drinks.

Under Beijing's blue sky, we spread our friendly wings to sincerely invite you again -- Let's meet in Beijing in 2008!

Drama Circle: Li Moran, Shang Changrong, Pei Yanling, Li Weikang, Sun Yumin, Mao Weitao, Li Shiji, Du Jinfang, Wang Jinlu, Pu Cunxin, Yu Kuizhi, Xu Xiaozhong, Zha Mingzhe, Kuang Jianlian

Movie Circle: Xie Jin, Wu Yigong, Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, Yin Li, Yu Lan, Yu Yang, Wang Xiaotang, Gong Li, Xi Meijuan, Qin Yi, Zhang Ruifang, Xie Tieli, Zhang Ziyi, Zhao Wei

Music Circle: Wu Zuqiang, Fu Gengchen, Xu Peidong, Min Huifen, Wang Kun, Guo Lanying, Tan Lihua, Bao Huiqiao, Kong Xiangdong, Ye Xiaogang, Li Guyi, Gu Jianfen, Wei Wei, Zheng Yong, Liao Changyong, Tan Dun, Wu Bixia, Song Fei, Jin Tielin, Song Zuying, Yin Xiumei, Guan Mucun, Lang Ming, Fan Jingma, Zhou Xiaoyan, Hu Songhua, Yu Long, Zheng Qiufeng, Wu Yanze, Yu Lina, Cedain Zhoema, Yu Junjian

Circle of Fine Arts: Jin Shangyi, Feng Yuan, Liu Dawei, Fan Zeng, Long Rui, Han Meilin, He Jiaying, Zeng Zhuzhao, Zhang Ding, Yuan Xikun, Nyima Cering, Wang Mingming, Ma Zhensheng, Wang Hongjian, Chang Shana, Hou Yimin

Han Shuli, Wang Chengxi, Zhu Naizheng, Wu Weishan, Wu Changjiang, Luo Zhongli, Wu Yueshi, Zhang Guowei, Huang Gesheng, Song Yugui, Tian Yulin, Bai Xueshi, Zhan Jianjun, Yang Feiyun

Dance Circle: Jia Zuoguang, Bai Shuxiang, Zhao Ruheng, Liu Min, Dao Meilan, Zi Huajun, Zhao Qing, Chen Ailian, Yang Liping, Dilinar, Zhang Jigang, Chen Weiya, Feng Ying, Cui Shanyu, Medegma

Quyi (folk vocal art forms) Circle: Liu Lanfang, Jiang Kun, Feng Gong

TV Circle: Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, Bai Yansong, Hu Mei, Sun Xiaomei, Jing Yidan, Li Yang, Deng Zaijun, Lang Kun, Wang Xianping

May 11, 2008

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2008)