The emblem of Beijing 2008 Olympic, officially entitled "Chinese Seal, Dancing Beijing” has a single Chinese character on a traditional red Chinese seal.

With inspiration from the traditional Chinese art form - calligraphic art, the character "Jing" (the latter of the city's name which also means "capital") is developed into the form of a dancing human being, reflecting the ideal of a "New Olympics". The words "Beijing 2008", also resembling the vivid shapes of Chinese characters in handwriting, are written below, voicing in concise strokes of the countless feelings Chinese people possess towards the Olympics.

"Dancing Beijing" serves as the city's foremost appearance. It is an image that shows the eastern ways of thinking and the nation's lasting appeal embodied in the Chinese characters. It is an expression that conveys the unique cultural quality and elegance of Chinese civilization.

"Dancing Beijing" is the city's signature -- Jing. The ancient art of calligraphy expresses the grace and character of the Chinese and the charm and beauty of their traditions. The image of Beijing's Olympics, inspired by the ancient figure for Beijing, turns the city into a dancing athlete in the graceful sweep of the calligrapher's hand.

"Dancing Beijing" is the color of China -- the red, which is the most significant color in Chinese culture's symbol of luck, of celebration and of new beginnings. Red, symbol of vitality, is intensively used in the emblem, hushing the passion up to a new level. The depth of its meaning equals the depth of its beauty. It carries Chinese people's longing for luck and happiness and their explanation of life.

"Dancing Beijing", in the form of the dragon, extends the totem of the Chinese nation. Its graceful curves are like the body of a wriggling dragon, relating the past and future of one same civilization; they are like rivers, carrying the century-old history and the nation's pride; they are like veins, pulsing with vitality of life.

"Dancing Beijing" represents the spirit of the individual. The form of a running human being stands for the beauty and magnificence of life. It is the symbol for every Olympian, every performer, every volunteer and every spectator. Arms flung wide, it invites all people and the world to share in the city's history, beauty, energy, and its future.

The intrinsic values of sports - athlete-centered and people-oriented - are well defined and upgraded in an artistic way in “Dancing Beijing." It captures the soul of a city in transformation and its motion conveys a message of hope, joy, and unity. It is a celebration of "peace, friendship and progress of mankind."