Zhang Yimou

【Reasons for selection】At the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Zhang Yimou meticulously chose the most representative Chinese cultural symbols to display the Chinese nation's "romance" and "generosity" to the world, characterized by unprecedented creativity, abundant types of multimedia and a magnificent mass performances.

This year, he was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Boston University in the US in recognition of the fact that his films "have not only introduced and popularized the people and culture of China to worldwide audiences, but have also opened a window into universal aspects of human nature and yearning."

Zhang Haidi

【Reasons for selection】 On November 13, 2008, Zhang Haidi was elected the fifth chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation. The 53-year-old Zhang began a new journey in her life.

With her selection, many people's thoughts have again drifted back to an era full of dreams and passion, recalling "Sister Haidi" at that time, the spiritual icon who though disabled still had a strong will and perseverance.

Times have evolved and Zhang, appearing in front of the public again, remained strong and appeared more composed from the accumulation of life experiences in years gone by.

Wang Meng

【Reasons for selection】 In 2008, Wang Meng retired from a variety of posts, but became even busier as he devoted himself to writing books, teaching and taking part in all kinds of cultural activities. For a senior author who is over 70, this kind of workload is not commonly seen.

What is more commendable is that, as in the past, the old writer has maintained his passion for monitoring social realities closely.

During the aftermath of the Wenchuan earthquake and the Beijing Olympics, his sagacious and exciting articles were often published in newspapers and periodicals including the People’s Daily, the People’s Daily Overseas Edition, Wen Hui Bao and through new media such as the Internet.

Feng Jicai

【Reasons for selection】 Nowadays, it is more and more difficult to define the "identity" of author and painter Feng Jicai.

In September 2008, "Symbols of China," a series of cultural books he compiled as editor-in-chief, made their debut at the 15th Beijing International Book Fair and drew quite a bit of attention.

In October, he was appointed counselor of the Counselors' Office of the State Council for a period of five years. The dedicated efforts behind his multiple identities were unknown to the public.

For over a decade, Feng has been on the road traveling between cities and rural areas, promoting his beliefs and practicing what he preaches.

As a result he has made a huge contribution to the salvation and protection of intangible cultural heritage in China, and has awakened the awareness of the value of folk culture in the general public.

Jia Pingwa

【Reasons for selection】 In November 2008, Jia Pingwa won the seventh Mao Dun Literary Prize for his 12th novel, "Qin Qiang," (Shaanxi Opera) becoming a laureate of China's top novel prize.

Moreover, the results of the fifth Public Reading Survey released in April 2008 showed that Jia, together with other writers including Lu Xun, Ba Jin, Lao Shê and Jin Yong (Louis Cha), were the top 10 most popular book writers.

When receiving the seventh Mao Dun Literary Prize for the novel, "Qin Qiang," Jia acclaimed during the presentation speech that "The sigh of ‘Qin Qiang’ is a point stressed in contemporary novels, and it is also a lively reflection of this era."

Mei Baojiu

【Reasons for selection】 At the end of the year, as the movie, "Forever Enthralled" became a hit, the 70-year-old Mei Baojiu frequently appeared in the spotlight to promote the movie and answer questions from the audience.

All these efforts reflect not only the natural respect and obligation a son has for his father, but also the passion and sense of mission a virtuoso of Peking Opera feels for the art of Peking Opera.

This year, the efforts Mei made to inherit and carry forward the art of Peking Opera went far beyond that. Both the popularization of Peking Opera and the training of gifted performers of Beijing Opera ignited a passion in him.

Chen Kaige

【Reasons for selection】 At the end of the year, "Forever Enthralled," a movie depicting the legendary Peking Opera actor Mei Lanfang won both public praise and box office success.

Simultaneously, Chen Kaige, director of the movie published his new book "Meifeisewu, " sharing his spiritual journey and stories behind the scenes, which also received extensive attention.

His earlier movie, "Farewell my Concubine," pushed him to the peak of his career, but after his work "Promise" received bad reviews, Chen was under a lot of pressure and chose to endure the hardships in order to realize his ambition.

This winter, his "Forever Enthralled" was a success and well received in all parts of China, making his comeback story the focus of public opinion once again.

Zhang Jigang

【Reasons for selection】 2008 witnessed a full range of Zhang's achievements.

On August 8, as Vice Chief Director, Zhang Jigang gave the order to begin the countdown to commence the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympics from the chief podium.

On September 6, at the same location, but this time as the Chief Director, he gave the command to begin the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics.

The dance performance, "Burning Dance Moves," of which Zhang was the Art Director, made its splendid debut in early December.

At the end of December, the large-scale Peking Opera, "Red Cliff," under his direction, had been shown for 10 days in a row at the National Center for the Performing Arts.

From the "Thousand-hand Guan Yin" to the opening ceremony of the Paralympics, from dances to Peking Opera, the respect and pursuit of human nature's beauty reflected in Zhang’s works have touched many people.