There's more to Chinese culture than lanterns and opera, says top Chinese movie director Zhang Yimou, and he plans to prove it at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Zhang, chief director for the 2008 Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, said in an interview that he hoped to use lesser-known Chinese elements at the shows.

"There are just too many well-known Chinese elements, such as lanterns, kites and Peking operas. There are also many aspects of Chinese culture that few people know," he said in an interview published Friday in the China Daily newspaper.

"For instance, I saw many different kinds of performances when I went to Yunnan (province) to collect folk arts. They are absolutely new to people outside," he was quoted as saying.

Zhang said the ceremonies will show international solidarity as well as Chinese characteristics, and that Hollywood director Steven Spielberg,one of a team of international consultants backing him,wants to be more than just an adviser.

"(Spielberg) intends to give some concrete suggestions," he said, without elaborating.

Zhang, China's best-known filmmaker, said the Olympics job was a rare opportunity for him and that it was no great sacrifice to stop shooting movies for a time.

"There will be many movies to make, but the Olympic Games will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Chinese people," he said.

Earlier, Zhang had said he will take a two-year break from film-making to focus on his Olympic duties as soon as he finishes his latest project, "The City of Golden Armor."

Zhang was confident the Beijing Olympics will be the best ever.

"It will be the most distinguished Olympic Games in history," he was quoted as saying.

Zhang's films include "Hero", "House of Flying Daggers" and "Raise the Red Lantern."