Workers responsible for fireworks atop the "Bird's Nest".The Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony will commence in the National Stadium on Friday, August 8 at 8:00 p.m. (1200GMT). The official website of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad will offer up-to-date full coverage, with posts of the latest stories and photos directly from the Olympic venue.

(Photo credit: Cheng Gong)