It began with 2,008 drummers and ended with a gravity-defying cauldron lighting.
The Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony, which took place 10 years ago today, was billed as having the scope and available resources to make it an unprecedented event, a coming-out party for the new China.
“For a long time, China has dreamed of opening its doors and inviting the world’s athletes to Beijing for the Olympic Games,” IOC president Jacques Rogge said in his speech that night. “Tonight, that dream comes true.”
The finished product met the promotion. More recent Opening Ceremonies have not dared to aspire for the boldness of Beijing.