If you're planning a trip to China next summer for the Olympic Games, you might want to stop by the ancient city of Kaifeng in Henan Province near Beijing, where you're likely to see the city full of ancient Chinese.

 

Wu Huang and his friends walk on a Kaifeng street wearing costumes of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) on Monday, March 5, 2007. The Song culture fanatic petitioned all residents to wear the costumes during the 2008 Beijing Olympics to promote Chinese culture. [Photo: jinbw.com.cn]

 

A Kaifeng resident nicknamed Wu Huang has made a proposal on the Internet, petitioning all of the city's 800,000 residents to wear costumes of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) and speak the ancient language during the Olympic season.

 

Under the plan, ancient scenes will recur in Kaifeng, the capital of the Song Dynasty, with residents donning Song dress out on the streets to greet incoming visitors.

 

The 36 year old Song culture fanatic explained that during the international sports event, a large number of foreign spectators will visit China. His plan is to encourage citizens to seize the opportunity and do their part to promote Chinese culture.

 

Many citizens have voiced their support of the plan, saying it will be a good way to introduce the city's long history.

 

Wu Huang has also reportedly spoken to officials from the city's tourism bureau, who have expressed great interest in helping make his dream come true.

 

 

(CRIENGLISH.com March 8, 2007)