A military band welcomes the arrival of the Presidents of China and the IOC at the north end of the National Stadium.
A dazzling light activates an ancient sundial, and a special multimedia production kicks off the Opening Ceremony.
Fireworks burst from the National Stadium’s exterior trusses, making the entire stadium look like a blossoming flower.
2,008 performers beat ancient Chinese fou drums, chanting "Friends have come from afar, how happy we are," a famous Confucian saying.
