Fireworks explode over the National Stad

Fireworks explode over the National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest", during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 8, 2008. A thundering display of fireworks exploded over the "Bird's Nest" stadium in the shape of a blossoming red flower as China put the full glory of its rich history on display at the Olympic opening ceremony. Some 91,000 people, many waving Chinese flags, packed into the National Stadium on a hot and humid night for a spectacular show masterminded by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Zhang Yimou. AFP AFP PHOTO / DDP / AXEL SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read AXEL SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)