市规划委7月24日在网站发布公告宣布，北京2008“城市标志”概念性设计国际竞赛活动已经启动并面向全球征集设计创意，这座代表北京的城市标志将安放在北京奥林匹克公园，并将成为奥林匹克运动留给城市的宝贵遗产。

At the mention of Beijing, you might think first of Tian'anmen Square, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.But none of these examples of architecture or historical sites has been officially labelled the landmark of the Chinese capital.

Now the Beijing municipal government is inviting ideas for a visible reminder of the historical and cultural heritage of the city and kicking off an International Competition for Conceptual Planning and Design for a Beijing symbol.

There are no specific requirements for the form and content of the designs. However, candidates should use the latest technology and include the concept of environmental protection to echo the call for a "Green Olympics" in 2008. Applications are already being accepted and the result will be announced on September 9. The winning design will be built in the Olympic Village in Beijing.