BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) — The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games opening ceremony started on Friday. The program is divided into 15 segments, including the parade of athletes and the lighting of the Olympic flame.
As the ceremony started, the lights dimmed and a 24-second countdown followed.
The opening day of the 2022 Winter Olympics coincides with the “Beginning of Spring”, which is the first of the 24 solar terms of the year. It is used to count down the last seconds before the ceremony, reflecting the Chinese people’s understanding of time.
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
Fireworks illuminate the night sky during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Song Yanhua)
Skaters perform as the Olympic motto is displayed during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)
Skaters perform as the Olympic motto is displayed during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
Flag bearers carry the Olympic flag into the National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
Photo taken on Feb. 4, 2022 shows the Olympic Rings and the LED floor image of the large snowflake framed by calligraphic “olive branches”, which symbolizes all people living in peace and harmony, during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Skaters perform during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Cao Can)
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo)
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2022. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)