Splendid opening ceremony raises curtain on Games

The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games opening ceremony began at the National Stadium in Beijing on Friday. The program is divided into 15 segments, including the parade of athletes and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

A pre-show presented by square dancers aged from five to over 70 years old was held prior to the opening ceremony.

The "Square Dance" is a creation of ordinary Chinese people and has become very popular. On public squares in large cities or small towns, people spontaneously gather together to joyfully sing and dance in their off-time.

This choreographed performance showcased the passion of the Chinese people in welcoming the Olympic Winter Games.

A pre-show is presented before the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, Feb 4, 2022.

Actors perform prior to the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, Feb 4, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, Feb 4, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

Photo taken on Feb 4, 2022 shows the Olympic rings during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Olympic delegation of China parade into the National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, Feb 4, 2022. China, as hosts, marched in last. [ZHANG WEI / CHINA DAILY]

Fireworks illuminate the night sky during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at the National Stadium in Beijing, Feb 4, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]