The 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. It began at 8:00 p.m. China Standard Time (UTC+8) on August 8, 2008, as 8 is considered to be a lucky number in Chinese culture. Featuring more than 15,000 performers, the ceremony lasted over four hours and cost over $100 million USD to produce.

"One World One Dream"

Credits

Zhang YimouDirector

Hu JintaoSelf

Henry KissingerSelf

Barbara BushSelf

George H. W. BushSelf