The Beijing Olympics have been declared open by China's president Hu Jintao.

The Games officially began after an opening ceremony featuring a dazzling firework display and procession by many of the 10,500 athletes who will be competing for over two weeks.

Billions of people around the globe watched a cast of thousands directed by acclaimed Chinese movie director Zhang Yimou perform at the Bird's Nest stadium.

The finale saw Li Ning, a Chinese gold medal-winning gymnast, hoisted high above the stadium on wires carrying the Olympic torch. He "ran" in slow-motion around the rim before setting the giant cauldron ablaze.

The spectacle, which began with thunderous drumming, celebrated the arts and achievements of imperial China but skipped the fraught 20th century altogether.

The Chinese believe the date, 08/08/08, will bring them luck as they host the Games for the first time. Over the next 16 days, there will be 302 gold medals up for grabs across 28 sports.

Besides Beijing, Qingdao will hold the sailing competition, Hong Kong will be the location for the equestrian events, and football will be played in Tianjin, Shanghai, Shenyang and Qinhuangdao.

The nation's eyes will be on British stars in particular as they go for gold. Team GB consists of more than 300 British competitors who are hoping their performances give them a solid footing for success at the 2012 Games in London.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent them a good luck message, saying: "You represent the very best of our great country and your dedication, skill and courage are an inspiration to millions of us.

UK Sport has set its sights on 41 medals for a chance to achieve an overall target of 8th place in the medal table.

British medal hopes suffered a setback just before the Games with the withdrawal of boxer Frankie Gavin but attention will be focused on stars such as Paula Radcliffe, Tom Daley and Kelly Sotherton as they run, dive and jump for glory.

The Games slogan of One World, One Dream is intended to capture China's aspirations to open its doors to the world through the Olympic Games and leave a lasting legacy for their population of 1.3 billion people.

But while the communist nation's economy has made huge strides thanks to its manufacturing industry, the country continues to suffer from poverty in rural areas, high levels of pollution and criticism of its human rights record.

Protests during the torch relay and criticism from world leaders such as US President George W Bush, have characterised the build-up.

Two British Free Tibet campaigners returned to the UK on Thursday after being arrested for unfurling flags and banners outside the Beijing stadium.

More than 40 Olympic athletes have signed an open letter calling on Mr Jintao "to protect freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom of opinion in your country, including Tibet".

More protests are planned during the Games, including one at the Chinese Embassy in London.

China has also come under fire for its pollution problems but the head of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, has praised Beijing's efforts.

He said: "For a long time, China has dreamed of opening its doors and inviting the world's athletes to Beijing for the Olympic Games.

"Tonight that dream comes true. Congratulations, Beijing!"

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