Beijing Opens the 2008 Olympics

Olympics beijing China 2008 Opening ceremony athletes world USA Russia
Al Tielemans / Sports Illustrated

Rocking the House
The sound of hundreds of traditional Fou drummers pounding their instruments fills the stadium. As they played, the audience in the stadium chanted along, counting down to the beginning of the games: "Wu! Si! San! Er! Yi!"

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.