A method and a handheld device for displaying interactive elements are provided. The method includes: controlling the touch screen to display a first application icon in a first location of a display space of the touch screen and display a second application icon in a second location of the display space of the touch screen; controlling the touch screen to display a third application icon in a third location of the display space of the touch screen; detecting a sliding gesture on the touch screen; in response to the sliding gesture, controlling the touch screen to display the first application icon and the second application icon from being invisible to becoming gradually more opaque as the sliding gesture continuously performs on the touch screen.