The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games were a perfect occasion to showcase China's 5,000-year history as well as its high-tech achievements and innovative capacity. For many, this was the first fascinating glimpse at a country that had been closed to outsiders for years.

Beijing geared up to receive over half a million overseas visitors and two and a half million domestic tourists during the games scheduled from August 8th to the 24th.

Preparations were underway as soon as the announcement was made in 2001, watch this short 4 minute trailer to "Boomtown Beijing" a documentary about the capital, its people and their dreams on the weeks leading up to the Olympics.

The Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony took place on 08/08/08 at precisely 08:08:08 p.m. (guess what the Chinese "lucky number" is?) at Beijing National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest.

It was a spectacular event featuring thousands of performers and their magnificent costumes as fireworks exploded all around the Stadium. Take a look at some videos and images from the Opening Ceremonies here.

Drop by our Beijing Section to learn more about the Nation's Capital and our Chinese Culture for Kids section and get familiar with the fascinating aspects of Chinese traditions, customs, festivals, etc.

Here's some more fun facts about the Summer Olympics:

Beijing 2008 Logo

The "Dancing Beijing" Emblem contains a red seal and Chinese character for jing or "national capital" and the open arms are China's invitation to the world to share in its culture..

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The Slogan

"One World One Dream" reflects the wishes from people all over the world, inspired by the Olympic spirit, to unite and build a better future for all despite differences in languages, races, or cultures, we all share the same dreams and ideals.

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Beijing Olympic Mascots

The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five Fuwa, each representing one color of the Olympic Rings. They carry a message of friendship and peace to children all over the world.

They are symbols of four of China's most popular animals:

BeiBei the fish, JingJing the Panda

YingYing the Tibetan Antelope, Nini the Swallow

and HuanHuan the Olympic Flame

Together they say: "Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni" or "Welcome to Beijing"!

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Beijing 2008 Olympics Souvenirs!

Here's your last chance to load up on all sorts of Souvenirs from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, without leaving your home! Happy shopping!


Visit NBC's Official 2008 Beijing Olympics Store