Attended by 91,000 people (including 80+ world leaders), the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics showcased a magnificent cultural show that exhibited Chinese history, innovation, dance, and story. The artistic creativity of the show was fantastic.
As I watched the show, I kept thinking about how much the program underscored China's destiny to become an even greater power and influence in the world. The Chinese people are excited to boast their history and cultural heritage. China's ambitions are clearly visible everywhere here in Beijing: at any of the Olympic venues or modern buildings throughout the city.
A large portion of the performances were dedicated to showing off Chinese achievements during the last few millenia. They covered important Chinese inventions like paper and tai chi. I wondered if they would showcase China's contemporary history: 20th century war and the Communist revolution... they didn't. All in all, it was a nice glimpse of some of Chinese cultural and historical highlights.
Liu Huan's duet with Sarah Brightman was one of the highlights for me - a beautiful piece that embodied the Olympic spirit.
China invested over $100 million to make this show a spectacle to be remembered, and I believe that they were successful . . . it truly was a magnificent show.
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