The idea of a world united certainly seems apparent at the Olympics. Watching the Parade of Nations, my heart fluttered as I mouthed off the names of Zambia, Moldova, Australia, some strange islands, China, and the United States. The Birds Nest Stadium, packed with 90,000 Chinese and Americans and Britains and Australians and other races, epitomized a unified globe in that single shining moment.

China’s flashy display of technological marvel and desire for unification brought me to tears. As a Chinese child, I bear a bond, albeit diluted, to my oriental roots. But there were no Chinese drama gimmicks or signs of an imperialistic, communist nation. Here the er hu melded with modern dancers. Here the faces of children from all nationalities flapped on hand-held posterboards. Here countries marched after one another.

The highlight of the Olympic opening began with a nostalgic reminiscence of China’s own Olympic history. Gold medalists handed the torch to one another, culminating in the hands of a six-time gold medal gymnast. As cables hoisted him into the air, the backdrop lit into color: the runners from every country, starting in Greece and meandering through Israel, San Francisco, Britain, would see their efforts climax in this one solemn yet energized moment.

It was a truly beautiful sight, with the ambassadors and athletes staring at the torch and a world neatly packaged at the 2008 Olympics.