Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremonies - Part 1

The Opening Ceremonies of the 29th Olympiad at Beijing, China, is something worth watching over and over again. It's like watching traditional Chinese films - lots of flying, gracious movements, and vivid colors. Add to it the Chinese' favorite element - fire. Yes, lots of it. For this first part, watch the welcome tune of 2,008 drummers, fully in-sync. Next is the symbolic 29 Footsteps, fireworks that shape into a footprint in the sky. After that is the display of the Olympic Rings, then the singing of China's National Anthem. After the anthem, the audience is taken down to history and wonder at China's most priced invention - paper. A giant scroll is placed at the center of the stadium, with dancers drawing as they dance.

Image and video courtesy of CS - RPN 9 Philippines.