The Winter Olympics opening ceremony kicked off in Beijing on Friday, becoming the second Games to start during the pandemic.
Why it matters: But unlike in Tokyo last summer, the Beijing Olympics began against a backdrop of concerns about China's strict COVID policies, geopolitical tensions and a U.S. diplomatic boycott over human rights abuses.
- The opening ceremony — reportedly pared back because of COVID concerns and cold weather — was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and ran for more than two hours.
- It was held in Beijing's National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, the same venue that hosted the opening and closing ceremonies during the 2008 Olympics.
In photos:
Torchbearers Dinigeer Yilamujiang and Jiawen Zhao of Team China hold the Olympic flame during the Opening Ceremony. Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images
Fireworks light up the sky over Olympic Stadium. Photo: Jeff Roberson/AP
USA's flag bearers lead the delegation as they enter the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP via Getty Images
Members of Team China wave flags during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Photo: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
A general view inside the stadium as flag bearers of Team China lead the team during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
The Chinese and Olympic flags fly during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics. Photo: Natacha Pisarenko/AP
Performers create a flower display with LED lights during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Photo: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Chinese President Xi Jinping waves during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Photo: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the opening ceremony. Photo: Sue Ogrocki/AP
Security stand outside the National Stadium known as the Bird's Nest ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics. Photo: Jae C. Hong/AP
Spectators wait for the start of the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics. Photo: David J. Phillip/AP
