From correspondents in Beijing, China, 07:00 PM IST

The medals for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are designed with inspiration coming from 'bi', China's ancient jade piece inscribed with dragon pattern. The medals, made of gold and jade, symbolise nobility and virtue and embody traditional Chinese values of ethics and honour.

According to China Daily, the medals are 70mm in diameter and 6mm in thickness. On the front side, the medal adopts standard design prescribed by the International Olympic Committee. While on the back, the medal is inlaid with jade with the Beijing Games emblem engraved in the metal centerpiece.

The design inspiration of the medal hook derives from jade 'huang', a ceremonial jade piece with decoration of double dragon pattern and 'Pu', the reed mat pattern.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)