Guangzhou yesterday kicked off the 16th Asian Games with world-record-setting fireworks and a dazzling waterfront spectacle in the middle of its landmark Pearl River - and tens of thousands of eager onlookers broke into condoned-off areas to catch a glimpse of the show.
Two years after China wowed the world with the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Beijing, Guangzhou highlighted Guangdong's heritage as a coastal province at its ceremony on Haixinsha Island.
A flotilla of 45 boats adorned with LED lights ferried thousands of athletes down the Pearl River to the tiny island, which was configured like a sailboat for the 41/2-hour opening festivities designed by Chen Weiya , the deputy to famed director Zhang Yimou for the Beijing Olympics ceremony.
The stadium, which can accommodate 27,000 people, served as the cabin while eight giant screens doubled as sails as a backdrop.
The hosts spoke in both Cantonese and Putonghua - a campaign to protect Cantonese has unnerved the authorities weeks before the games.
Lang Lang performed on a white grand piano and actress Zhang Ziyi sang as synchronised swimmers performed.
Premier Wen Jiabao was joined by dignitaries including Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.