A history of endeavor

An exhibited gymnastics textbook for elementary schools in 1910 is also a precious example of the early days of modern physical education in China.

By comparison, Chinese  athletes' achievements in the Olympics since the 1980s are a way to understand the country's sports revival. The exhibited athletes' clothing takes visitors back to glorious moments, including the suit of China's first Olympian Xu Haifeng, who stood on a medal podium at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, and the suit of sprinter Liu Xiang, who crossed the final line in the 2004 Athens Olympics, winning glory for China. Also, the equipment of speedskaters Yang Yang and Li Jiajun, among others, remind people of the painstaking yet steady steps taken in winter sports in China.

"Museums have the duty to record today for the sake of tomorrow," Han Zhanming, director of the Capital Museum, says. "With a warm touch of history, we also want to create an atmosphere full of cultures for the Winter Olympics."

The exhibition runs until March 15.