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China has presented a dramatic display of fireworks, music and dancing to mark the opening of its Beijing Olympics.

Some 10,000 performers took part in the ceremony, watched on TV by an estimated one billion people, before athletes paraded around the national stadium.

Some 90,000 fans packed the new national stadium - known as the Bird's Nest because of its steel lattice construction - and cheered the performers.

The choreographed show took seven years to plan, and costs are estimated to have hit a record-breaking $40bn (£20bn).

It began at eight minutes past eight on the evening of 8 August, reflecting the belief widespread in Asia that eight is a lucky number.

More than three hours later, China's President Hu Jintao officially declared the Games open.

And in a theatrical finish to the day's activities, champion gymnast Li Ning was winched up to the rim of the stadium carrying the Olympic torch - the end of its journey around the world.

He used the torch to light the Olympic cauldron - in the form of another huge torch - and an explosion of fireworks ensued.

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