The 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. It began at 20:00 China Standard Time (UTC+08:00) on Friday, 8 August 2008, as the number 8 is considered to be auspicious. The number 8 is associated with prosperity and confidence in Chinese culture. The artistic part of the ceremony comprised two parts titled "Brilliant Civilization" and "Glorious Era" respectively. The first part highlighted the Chinese civilization and the second part exhibited modern China and its dream of harmony between the people of the world. The stadium was full to its 91,000 capacity according to organizers.
Fireworks during the opening ceremony
Fireworks display
China's national flag carried into the National Stadium
Dancers painting on the scroll
Four Great Inventions
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The Four Great Inventions are inventions from ancient China that are celebrated in Chinese culture for their historical significance and as symbols of ancient China's advanced science and technology. They are the compass, gunpowder, papermaking and printing.
Hemp wrapping paper, China, circa 100 BC
Diagram of a Ming dynasty mariner's compass
Hand cannon from the Yuan dynasty, circa 1300s (decade)
The intricate frontispiece of the Diamond Sutra from Tang dynasty China, 868 (British Museum)