Fireworks explode over the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Beijing. (Photo by AP)
Chinese paramilitary police officers stand next to the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
Drummers line the floor of the National Stadium known as the Bird's Nest. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
Performers during the opening ceremony. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Athletes from Italy cheer as they walk through the National Stadium. (AP Photo/David Phillip)
The Olympic rings are lifted during the opening ceremony. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Fireworks explode over the National Stadium during the opening ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Performers paint on a giant scroll during the opening ceremony. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Chinese people celebrate on a street in downtown Beijing during the opening ceremony. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das)
Chinese Olympic fans look at live public broadcasting of the opening ceremony. (AP Photo)
Performers light up their drums during the opening ceremony. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
Former Chinese Olympian Li Ning lights the Olympic flame. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
Former Chinese Olympian Li Ning lights the Olympic flame. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
