the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010

GUANGZHOU, CHINA - NOVEMBER 12: The cauldron is lit during the Opening Ceremony for the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 at Haixinsha Square on November 12, 2010 in Guangzhou, China.



The flame is lit to signify the official beginning of the 16th Asian Games during the opening ceremony in Guangzhou, China, Friday, Nov. 12, 2010.




Athletes from the host nation China march into the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, Friday, Nov. 12, 2010.

















GUANGZHOU, CHINA - NOVEMBER 12: Dancers perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 at Haixinsha Square on November 12, 2010 in Guangzhou, China.




GUANGZHOU, CHINA - NOVEMBER 12: Dancers perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 at Haixinsha Square on November 12, 2010 in Guangzhou, China




A flag bearer leads the North Korean team during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. The Asian Games officially opened with a glitzy gala ceremony tonight, culminating years of planning for a massive event that is set to reinforce China's regional sporting dominance.




The Japanese team march into the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, Friday, Nov. 12, 2010.




GUANGZHOU, CHINA - NOVEMBER 12: Dancers perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 at Haixinsha Square on November 12, 2010 in Guangzhou, China.




Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province November 12, 2010. The Asian Games run from November 12-27 and will involve some 14,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries.




GUANGZHOU, CHINA - NOVEMBER 12: Dancer perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 at Haixinsha Square on November 12, 2010 in Guangzhou, China.




Fireworks illuminate the Pearl River during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. The Asian Games officially opened with a glitzy gala ceremony tonight, culminating years of planning for a massive event that is set to reinforce China's regional sporting dominance.




Artists perform during the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, Friday, Nov. 12, 2010.




Fireworks illuminate the night during the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, Friday, Nov. 12, 2010.



A young boy appears to float on a spout of water during the opening ceremony for the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, Friday, Nov. 12, 2010.




Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Athletes from 45 countries and territories will compete in 42 sporting disciplines until November 27 when the Asian Games officially open with a glitzy gala ceremony tonight, culminating years of planning for a massive event that is set to reinforce China's regional sporting dominance.




Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. The 15-day Asian Games officially opened with a glitzy gala ceremony, culminating years of planning for a massive event that is set to reinforce China's regional sporting dominance.




GUANGZHOU, CHINA - NOVEMBER 12: Dancer perform on a ship during the Opening Ceremony for the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 at Haixinsha Square on November 12, 2010 in Guangzhou, China.



UANGZHOU, CHINA - NOVEMBER 12: Dancer perform on a ship during the Opening Ceremony for the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 at Haixinsha Square on November 12, 2010 in Guangzhou, China.




A performer plays the drums during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. The Asian Games officially opened with a glitzy gala ceremony tonight, culminating years of planning for a massive event that is set to reinforce China's regional sporting dominance.




Japanese athletes stand on a boat floating on the Pearl river during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province November 12, 2010. The Asian Games run from November 12-27 and will involve some 14,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries.




Athletes and officials from Indonesia ride on a decorated boat on the Pearl River during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province November 12, 2010. The Asian Games run from November 12-27 and will involve some 14,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries.




Hongkong athletes stand on a boat floating on the Pearl river during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, Guangdong province November 12, 2010. The Asian Games run from November 12-27 and will involve some 14,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries.



A decorated boat passes under a lighted bridge, close to the opening ceremony area for the upcoming 16th Asian Games, in Guangzhou on November 10, 2010. After six years of planning and billions of dollars in investement, Guangzhou is putting the final touches to its Asian Games.




Official Games' mascots stand in front of a multicoloured illuminated Canton Tower on the banks of the Pearl River for the 16th Asian Games in Ghuangzhou on Novbember 11, 2010. After six years of planning and billions of dollars in investment, Guangzhou is putting the final touches to its Asian Games.




In this photo released by China's Xinhua news agency, floats make parade along the Zhujiang (Pearl) River during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, south China, on Friday Nov. 12, 2010. The 16th Asian Games opened here on Friday night.




In a picture taken on November 10, 2010 Canton tower is illuminated with multicoloured lights as colourful boats float on the water during the final rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou. The 16th Asian Games will be held in the southern city, a major export hub in China, from November 12-27 and will be the biggest ever, with 45 countries and territories taking part in 42 sports.














source: Daylife
photo: AP, Gettyimages