China kicked off the 29th Olympic Games with a colorful celebration of its ancient history and modern might. The event—which drew crowds of around 91,000—featured a 50-minute spectacle with 15,000 performers, an array of fireworks, and ancient drum playing. Over the next 16 days, approximately 10,000 Olympic athletes representing 205 countries will compete in events ranging from archery to fencing to sailing. In addition, millions of photographs will be taken to cover the color and pageantry of the greatest sporting event in the world.
Here are just a few photography blog links to the 2008 Beijing Olympics: