A Look Back at the Stunning 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony

This week marks a decade since the 2008 Olympics commenced in Beijing.

The first ever Olympic Games to be hosted in China kicked off with a stunning opening ceremony directed by acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou at the Bird's Nest. The event started at 8pm sharp on August 8, 2008. (That's a lot of eights). 

Lip-synching aside, the ceremony was a visual feast, featuring fireworks, acrobatic performances and a torch lighting by legendary Chinese gymnast Li Ning. Yao Ming, meanwhile, carried the national flag as he led Team China in the Parade of Nations.

Take a look at the highlight reel below (VPN off):

Or you can watch the entire four-hour ceremony here. 

[Top image via Wikimedia Commons]