Let the games begin!

By Trudy Harris

Beijing

Aug. 8: A thundering display of fireworks exploded over the "Bird's Nest" Stadium in the shape of a blossoming red flower as China put its rich history on full display in a breathtaking opening ceremony.

Some 91,000 people, many waving Chinese flags, packed into the National Stadium on a hot and humid night for a spectacular show masterminded by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Zhang Yimou.

US President George W. Bush was among dozens heads of state attending the ceremony in Beijing on Friday which included hundreds of kung fu fighters dressed in matching white, opera singers and dancers.

Fireworks forming giant footprints also exploded at 29 points - representing the 29th Olympics - along the axis of the city, passing through historic Tiananmen Square and leading to the stadium.

Exactly 2,008 musicians beat ancient Chinese drums in perfect timing to welcome athletes and spectators to the Games, which China hopes will showcase its development, especially over the past three decades.

Children from 56 ethnic groups walked a giant Chinese flag across the stadium before it was raised by soldiers on a flagpole. - AFP