Harmony and security with 100,000 police at Olympics opening ceremony
Updated on 08 August 2008
The spectacular opening ceremony in Beijing was all about celebrating world harmony, with the games' motto, "One World, One Dream".
Giant fireworks exploded over the city, while in the Bird's Nest stadium 14,000 performers mixed ancient Chinese history with all the panache modern technology could bring.
It was watched by a crowd of thousands, including 80 world leaders, not to mention a television audience of four billion watching as the Olympic flame was finally lit.
Around 100,000 police officers have been deployed to ensure there is no hint of protest or dissent.
