(BEIJING, November 26) -- A nationwide contest is being held in China to select quality cheerleaders for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

In a recent contest in Beijing the participants displayed typical Chinese folk dances and music. Beijing opera facial make-ups and stage accessories such as soft boots, red lanterns and long pheasant tail feathers, combined with popular opera episodes and folk songs, caught the eyes of the panelists.

Over 1,000 people took part in Beijing's contest. Xi'an is another of the 24 cities involved in the campaign, the Beijing-based media "The First" reported.

The final round is expected to be held in Beijing early 2008 to find the best cheerleaders.