2008 Olympics: A Spectacular Show in Beijing, China

China kicked off the 2008 Olympic Games with a spectacular show in the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing on Friday - considered an auspicious day for the Chinese because of the date 08-08-08.

Athletes from more than 200 countries took part in the opening ceremony. Chinese basketball superstar, 7ft 6in Yao Ming carried the Chinese flag leading the national contingent which is the biggest among the competing nations.

China's 1984 Olympic gold medallist, gymnast Li Ning, had the honour of igniting the Olympic cauldron to close the dazzling ceremony in spectacular fashion by completing a lap of the arena, suspended in mid-air.



> Beijing's big moment