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To go with its main them--2008 Olympics, the grand parade opened with the appearances of five giant Friendlies, the Olympic mascots and five little Friendlies played kids from Beijing. And it's followed by groups of artists displaying different local sports and games.

While the climax didn't come until the parade entered the second session themed "Let's Tap Dance Together."

Dancers from home and abroad have staged a street "River Dance" show.

The student dancing troupe from United States has attended the festival's parade performances several times since 1999. In shiny blue dress, this time the girls have given out a hot tap dance from a Broadway musical.

During the last session of the parade themed "Harmonious World," artists from China's ethnic minority groups and overseas dressed in their holiday best have showcased many enchanting traditional dancing and instrument playing.

A performance troupe composed of gentlemen in pink pajamas has become a big spectacle of the whole show.

The Beijing International Cultural Tourism Festival which is in its 9th year has already been a famous culture brand of Beijing. The high profile parade performance is without doubt the center of festivity. With its rising fame, a record number of over 2500 artists have signed up for this year's performances and they have all come to Beijing self-funded as ordinary tourists. To Beijing, it's a rare occasion to present itself as a host city of 2008 Olympics and to embrace diverse cultures. To many locals and people traveling here, the annual parade can really be a feast to eyes.

China Drive is one of CRI's radio programs aired from Monday to Friday. We pick the most interesting life reports from China Drive. Stay tuned.