Peace. The message was loud and clear. The flying apsaras, the moving types, the Chinese paper scroll, the Olympic rings and the colorful fireworks all danced to the tune of peace.

China ushered in the 29th Summer Olympic Games with an extravagant opening ceremony at the National Stadium that portrayed its long history in the most symbolic of fashions.

The fun party, which every Chinese had been waiting for, began with sparkling fireworks across Beijing. The crackle and sparkle along the city's north-south meridian joined the rhythmic beats of the ancient Chinese drums, fou, inside the Bird's Nest to create perfect harmony.

The Olympic rings are lit during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8, 2008. [Agencies] more photos

This harmony was reflected in the rising Olympic rings during the gala: a symbol of all countries rising hand-in-hand to achieve peace and prosperity.

The city was decked like a bride but its streets were deserted, for people were either glued to TV sets at home or the giant screens in public places. Only a lucky few, 91,000 to be precise, experienced it live at the stadium.

Restaurants were shut (temporarily, though), while shopping malls and cinemas were devoid of the usual weekend night crowds. Even cab drivers were in a hurry to reach home before 8 pm, when the gala began. After all, yesterday was the day the entire nation had been looking forward to for seven years.

The many storms that arose during these years were weathered with calm and dignity. The accusations and allegations, the misplaced focus of the world media, the one-upmanship of foreign leaders and the linking of sport to politics all were answered when the moving types at the opening ceremony cried aloud peace.

Brotherhood and peace were behind the theme song, too. Liu Huan and Sarah Brightman infused life into the lyrics: for dreams we travel thousands of miles, we meet in Beijing, come together, the joy we share, you and me

The stars had taken leave, it seems, because too many of the terrestrial variety had gathered at one place at the same time. Or, perhaps they did not want to compete with the sparkle of the fireworks. And for once, no one could complain about noise pollution.

The Bird's Nest was graced by many world leaders, and the parade brought together a record 204 countries and regions into the rhythm of harmony.

US President George W. Bush and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva were among some of the more than 80 world leaders who enjoyed the show.

The story unfolding inside the Bird's Nest portrayed 5,000 years of Chinese history, as modern China shone in the city's architecture and neon lights outside. If the Great Wall and opera puppets inside retold the country's past, the flyovers, the new airport terminal and the jazzy cinemas outside reflected its present.

Lang Lang performs during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium August 8, 2008. [Agencies] more photos

Tian'anmen Square was a sea of people, with thousands screaming "Go China!" as they watched the colorful and modern display of fireworks on the expanse of history.

But like all good things in life, the opening gala too had to come to an end. It had to give way to the more serious business of competitive sports.

The honor to signal that beginning was bestowed on Li Ning, winner of three gymnastics golds at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

Li glided through the stadium in true gymnastic style (albeit with the help of tight rope), to light the sacred flame in the cauldron - with a touch of creativity. He did not climb atop the stadium to do so. Instead, he lit a huge tube through which the flame, in a flashy and scorching run, traveled to the giant torch, setting alight the Olympic flame of peace.

President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge said at the opening ceremony of the Olympics that China's dream of holding the Games has come true.

"For a long time, China has dreamed of opening its doors and inviting the world's athletes to Beijing for the Olympic Games. Tonight that dream comes true," he said.