What protests? Exhibition gives Chinese view of Games

By Belinda Goldsmith

BEIJING (Reuters Life!) - Chinese people fed up with the world criticizing the Beijing Olympics can have a reprieve -- a trip to a newly opened exhibition about the 2008 Games.

The exhibition at the China Millennium Monument, titled "One World One Dream: Theme Exhibition on Beijing Olympics," takes a look at the Olympics past to present through 2,000 photos and 1,300 exhibits -- and not one mention of protests or criticism.

The display, which runs from Aug 1 to Oct 10, highlights what it sees as the flawless organization of the Games while stressing the importance of the event to China and need for public support.

"The worldwide expectation of and best wishes for the Beijing Olympic Games has helped cement friendship between the Chinese people and the world people," reads one exhibit's sign.

"China's century-long dream of the Olympiad will finally become reality thanks to the unremitting efforts of several generations."

With China keen to put the world spotlight on its modern face and new openness, the exhibition gives advice on how Chinese people can "boost your extroversion" to ensure visitors leave with a good impression of Beijing and its people.

The most obvious step? "Simply spend more time with people. If you feel uncomfortable in social situations that's probably because you aren't in them frequently."

Chinese authorities have issued several booklets in the lead-up to the Games, drilling people on how to behave around foreigners and which topics should and should not discussed.

"Through the Games, the image of a modern China featuring "Democracy, Openness, Civilization, Friendliness and Harmony" will be shown to the international community," read a sign.

TORCH RELAY

A two-wall pictorial display about the torch relay shows happy runners and spectators in all parts of the world, in adherence with Beijing's desire for the torch's international tour to showcase China's unity and pride.

In reality the relay turned into a lightning rod for protests, mostly over China's crackdown on unrest in Tibet but the exhibit skips any mention of the controversy.

"The Olympic flame has received warm welcome from the people in every leg on the relay route, helping spread the Olympic spirit in a most extensive manner," said one board.

The exhibition also looks at the new buildings in 800-year-old Beijing such as the steel-latticed "Bird's Nest" stadium and the "Water Cube," the Olympic swimming venue.

The exhibition has proved popular, with huge lines of Chinese people waiting in the heat to buy tickets for the display.  Continued...