Opening Ceremony Of Bejing 2008 Olympic

Finally after long waiting, the Olympic had officially started at Bejing 8:00 p.m. (1200GMT).

First of all is the arrival of the Chinese President and the President of the IOC.



In the last 10 seconds, the percussion rhythm of the "Fou Formation" is as intense as the roar of thunder. Chinese and Arabic numerals flash on the surfaces of the Fou successively, in tune with the rhythm ... 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Splendid fireworks burst from the Stadium's exterior trusses, making the entire Stadium like a blossoming flower.

The Journey of the Torch

With the start of the music, the first torchbearer enters from Gate 3 holding high the Olympic torch, and the relay (eight torchbearers in total) goes one full circuit around the Stadium. The last torchbearer will light the Cauldron.

The audience waves silk scarves with the torch cloud pattern to welcome the Olympic torch.

The Lighting of the Cauldron

Gymnast Li Ning lights the flame cauldron.

Eight flag bearers carry the flag into the Stadium horizontally and solemnly display the Chinese national flag. A child sings A Hymn to My Country.

Fifty-six children representing each of the 56 Chinese ethnic groups cluster around the Chinese national flag.

The flag guards raise the national flag of the People's Republic of China. A 224-member chorus sings the national anthem of the People's Republic of China.