The Beijing Olympics used 'friends from afar' as its opening theme.
Tips
history
The second sentence of the Analects (《论语·学而》), attributed to Confucius: 学而时习之，不亦说乎？有朋自远方来，不亦乐乎？人不知而不愠，不亦君子乎？ — 'To learn and regularly practice — is it not a pleasure? To have friends come from afar — is it not a joy? To be unrecognized yet unresentful — is that not a gentleman?' Arguably the most quoted line in the Analects.
usage
Standard greeting in formal welcomes — at banquets, conferences, diplomatic events. Often follows on with 不亦乐乎 for the full flourish. Famously featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.
