2008 Olympics left behind open and confident country

Looking back, the impetus that continues to modernize Beijing started 25 years ago, on July 13, 2001, the day Juan Antonio Samaranch, then president of the International Olympic Committee, uttered "Beijing" in Moscow, marking the city's first successful Olympics bid. What this event left behind goes far beyond the magnificent sports facilities that were built for it, as it bestowed a rich legacy of national confidence, urban transformation and the spirit of a nation.

First and foremost, the Olympics left behind a rapidly modernizing Beijing, ushering in a "golden era" of urban development. Between 2001 and 2008, to fulfill the promise of "New Beijing, New Olympics", the city underwent an unprecedented transformation. Its subway system expanded from just two lines, totaling approximately 54 kilometers, to eight lines, covering about 200 kilometers and connecting major urban areas, Olympic venues and the airport.

Ingrained with the concept of "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics, and People's Olympics", the Games became a powerful catalyst for the city's international-standard urbanization. This leap in infrastructure and urban governance — starting with landmark venues such as the National Stadium, dubbed the Bird's Nest, and National Aquatics Center, called the Water Cube — continues to benefit millions of people to this day.

The Bird's Nest contributes valuable Chinese experience to the post-use of large Olympics venues worldwide. Now hosting performances, exhibitions, e-sports and public welfare activities, the stadium is more than just a steel-and-concrete structure; it functions as a "city engine".

When Beijing hosted the Winter Olympics in 2022, it also became the world's first "Dual Olympic City". The 2022 Olympics reused multiple venues from 2008, including four converted into competition venues and one for the opening and closing ceremonies.

The year 2008 was unique, as the country also experienced the tragedy of the Wenchuan earthquake on May 12, which killed nearly 70,000 people. The joy of hosting the Olympic Games on Aug 8 embodied the rallying cry of "rising from adversity" after the nation had united in sorrow. The Olympics showcased to the world a united, resilient and open China. From the "desire for recognition" during the Olympics bid, the mindset of the Chinese people has evolved to today's "composure and confidence".

I covered both Olympics as a reporter. I noticed that the organizing committee of the 2008 Beijing Olympics was composed of elite members from various city departments. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it the first Olympics to require closed-loop management — a system whose success was acknowledged by then-IOC President Thomas Bach. He stated that the management of the Beijing Winter Olympics "set the stage in such an excellent way — and in a safe way". It was the experience of hosting the 2008 Olympics that gave Beijing the confidence to successfully host the 2022 Winter Olympics under such challenging circumstances.

Hosting the two Olympics provided China with the opportunity to showcase its culture, history and organizational capabilities globally, while challenging stereotypes, changing perceptions and strengthening China's soft power. This newfound international influence paved the way for China to play a more significant role in global affairs.

Twenty-five years later, the Olympic flame still burns brightly in the city. For what the 2008 Olympics left behind is a more open and inclusive China, a more confident and composed nation and a collective memory of dreams, fighting spirit and glory. This legacy will inspire us to continue striving toward the goal of "higher, faster, stronger — together" in the future.