THRILLING VENUE AUDIENCE AND ATHLETES

"The most exciting moment is the igniting part, it combines technology, traditional arts and Li Ning's effort in such a perfect way," Xie Mengxin, a girl sitting in the stadium, known as Bird's Nest, said after the ceremony.

"There have been so many heart-shaking moments in it and we were all thrilled," she said, adding that the spacewalking-like showing of the last torch bearer for the Games was beyond her imagination.

The cauldron of the Beijing Olympic Games is ablaze over the National Stadium.

Li Ning (R) lights the cauldron.

Photo: Sun Jinfang passes flame to Li Ning

Updated: 2008-08-09 04:57:00

Sun Jinfang (L), former volleyball athlete, passes the flame to Li Ning, former Olympic gymnast during the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.

Photo: Fifth torchbearer Zhang Jun

Updated: 2008-08-09 04:44:27

Badminton player Zhang Jun carries the Olympic torch on the final torch relay during the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.

Photo: Fourth torchbearer Zhan Xugang

Updated: 2008-08-09 04:35:07

Weightlifter Zhan Xugang runs with the Olympic torch during the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.

Photo: Fireworks go off after the torch

Updated: 2008-08-09 02:33:26

Fireworks go off after the torch is lit during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.

Photo: Huang Liping takes the Olympic oath

Updated: 2008-08-09 00:47:01

Chinese gymnastics referee Huang Liping (C, front) takes the Olympic oath on behalf of all officials to the Beijing Olympic Games in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing, China, Aug. 8, 2008.

Photo: Li Ning carries the Olympic flame

Updated: 2008-08-09 00:40:20

Former Chinese gymnastics star Li Ning carries the Olympic flame as he is lifted to the air during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games in the National Stadium in north Beijing, China, Aug. 8, 2008.

Speech by IOC President Rogge on Opening Ceremony

Updated: 2008-08-09 01:13:00
Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games in the National Stadium in north Beijing, China, on Aug. 8, 2008.