In pics: Asian Games opening ceremony

FIREWORKS GALORE
Fireworks are displayed at the Guangzhou Tower during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games at the Haixinsha Island in Guangzhou.

SAILING TOWARDS GLORY
The boat parade sails down the Pearl River during the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou.

PROUD NATION
Chinese soldiers carry their national flag to the flag raising ceremony during the opening of the 16th Asian Games.

The boat parade sails down the Pearl River during the opening ceremony.

AWESOME
Fireworks illuminate the night during the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou.

FABULOUS
Fireworks explode at the opening ceremony during the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou.

ROCKING SHOW
Artists rock the show with their brilliant performance during the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games.

Artists perform during the opening ceremony.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao waves to the audience as he arrives at the opening of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Artists perform during the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

Dancers rock the crowd with their stunning performance during the opening ceremony.

A young boy appears to float on a spout of water during the opening ceremony.

The Indian team parade during the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou.

Water skiers ride down the Pearl River during the opening ceremony.

Floats make parade along the Zhujiang (Pearl) River during the opening ceremony.