Life of Guangzhou - 70-year-old Holds Newspapers Exhibition on Beijing's Olympics Bid

Chen Zenghuai shows at the venue in Guangzhou his collections of newspapers, whose top stories are about Beijing's success in Olympic bid. (Southcn.com)

Do you remember how excited the Chinese were seven years ago, when Juan Antonio Samaranch announced that Beijing would be the hosting city of the 29th summer Olympic Games? That was a historic event for all Chinese and it was recorded by hundreds of newspaper headlines.

A recent exhibition in the China Plaza, Guangzhou may help you recall that exhilarating moment and understand what it meant to the nation.

The exhibition is held by Chen Zenghuai, a 70-year old grandpa. And all the works on show are all his personal collection of newspaper headlines from July 14, 2001.

"I won’t ask for a dime, as long as they come back to me safe and sound. Anyone who is willing to exhibit these newspapers is welcome.” Said Chen.

Mr. Chen has been collecting newspapers for over 4 decades. China’s endeavour to host an Olympiad had always been one of his top priorities. Also, he had been keen to share this interest and his patriotic sentiment for so long.

The exhibition is well-received by the public. (Guangzhou Daily)

Chen’s collection, which encompasses the headlines of 72 newspapers from 35 Chinese cities, is recognized as having great historic and aesthetical value by many pundits. Besides the usual newspapers in Chinese, some pieces are local English dailies, some are even in Uighur.

"None but a truly ardent newspaper lover and Olympic supporter could have made it!” exclaimed a viewer on the exhibition.

"I’ve been working with like-minded friends throughout the country to stage another exhibition.” Said Chen.

Headlines of dozens of newspapers covering the Olympic opening ceremony on August 8 have been found and delivered to him so far, and hopefully the new exhibition could kick off before the Games concludes.

Chen Zenghuai wishes the Beijing Olympiad a complete success and that it will be the best Olympiad in history.

(Text by Yang Quanquan)

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