Gallery: 2008 Beijing Opening Ceremony

The 2008 Beijing Olympics began with drummers, fireworks and an explosion of Chinese traditional culture (and just a hint of technological challenges for Seven). This will be a night to remember.

Paper was a leading theme of the opening, representing typography and calligraphy in China. A huge scroll became a canvas on which much of China’s history unfolded, literally.

What has made China’s opening so staggering is the mammoth scale of its showpieces, using up to 2008 participants per theme.

As Beijing brought us the dove of peace, the sea, tai chi, music, kites Seven commentators Ric Birch and Sonia Kruger described each moment (pity about some of the audio guys…).

Sarah Brightman joined a popular Chinese singer atop an enormous globe to sing a duet ballad before the entry of the athletes.

Australia finally marched out just after 1am AEST. “Listen to that roar!” beamed Sandy Roberts. Yes there was a surge in the arena, as there was for several nations. The outfits were “sensational” said the commentating team, and the patriotism was surely ample (hey we’re not biased).

When the 630 strong Chinese team entered the arena it was a moving eruption.

Finally, the lighting of the torch saw Chinese medallist Lee Ning “race around the roof” of the birdnest, a wonderful touch. When he lit the cauldron, a spectacular fireworks display brought the night to a close, at 2am. Only 1 hour overtime!

This post updates.