16th Asian Games opening ceremony

A firework display lights up the Canton tower during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

A firework display lights up the sky above the Pearl River during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Fireworks explode at the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Dancers peform during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Diver He Chong of China and children prepare to lit the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Diver He Chong of China with children prepare to lit the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

The Asian Games cauldron is lit during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Performers take part during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Performers parade on stage during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Singers perform during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Suspended performers dance against giant screens during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Performers dance on stage during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

A performer takes part in the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

China's boat sails up the Pearl River during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. Photo courtesy: AFP

Athletes from 45 countries and territories will compete in 42 sporting disciplines until November 27 as the 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. Photo courtesy: AFP

MySinchew 2010.11.13