The spell of eight minutes is enough for Chinese famous film director Zhang Yimou to stun Athens and the world in the closing ceremony of the 28th Olympiad.

Zhang, well-known for his film masterpieces including "Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon" and "House of Flying Daggers", will have a chance to demonstrate his talents on August 29 at the Olympic Stadium when some 170 Chinese artists present an eight-minute performance.

Zhang said Friday at the opening ceremony that he hoped to surprise spectators with his Chinese show when the Olympic gala comes to its end.

"They give me eight minutes and I will give the world a surprise," Zhang said.

He declined to reveal any detail, saying he had to "keep the secret according to the contract."

However, Zhang hinted that it would be different from his personal style.

"It's just a small part of the ceremony anyway and our work has to accord with it as a whole," he said.

As for the opening ceremony, Zhang said the water surface in the center impressed him most.

"The water on center court is very creative, which best represents the Mediterranean Sea," he said.

Invited by Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, Zhang came to Athens for the opening ceremony and will leave for Beijing Friday.

"But definitely I'll be back for the closing ceremony," he said.

Zhang successfully directed a short film to promote Beijing's Olympic bid. He is also considered favorite candidate to produce the art performance in ceremonies for Beijing Games in 2008.