Fireworks explode above the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008. (Xinhua/Li Yong)

The People's Daily, voice of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, published an editorial on Monday hailing the Beijing Olympics which closed on Sunday night.

"The 16-day sport event has brought enormous joy and enthusiasm to the humanity, and has won glory for both the host city Beijing and the Olympics," read the commentary.

With over 10,000 athletes from 204 countries and regions taking part and an audience of 4.5 billion around the world, the whole world has been united as one Olympic family, it said.

People of different nationalities, ethnic origins and cultural backgrounds have come together under the Olympic flag for fellowship, showcasing the friendship between people from all parts of the world, and the "one world, one dream" shared by all.

Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the performance of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)

The paper said the past 16 days have witnessed superb athletic performances and sportsmanship.

Sports sensations such as the U.S. swimmer Micheal Phelps, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, Chinese weightlifter Liu Chunhong, and South African amputated swimmer Natalie Du Toit, thrilled the world with their aspiration to be "faster, higher, and stronger".

And the Chinese people, teeming with enthusiasm, have honored the commitments they solemnly made 7 years ago, to host a high-standard Olympic Games with distinctive characteristics, the daily said.

London Mayor Boris Johnson (1st L, front) holds the Olympic flag at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

The Chinese delegation dazzled the world with a total of 100 Olympic medals including 51 golds. Millions of Chinese volunteers offered to provide services for the Olympics, winning applause and praise from visitors from around the world.

China has realized the concepts of "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics", and has opened itself further to the world, it said.

The paper hails the Olympic Games a grand celebration of sport, peace and friendship.

"Let us meet again in London in four years and hope for another great party that will bring glory to the Olympics," it said.

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