A Greek ceremony sees off athletes from all over the world and a Chinese performance invites people to re-gather in Beijing in 2008.

Flags gathered in the venue

IOC President and Greece Olympic Committee President

See you, our friends

A solo by a famous singer

A bird's view of the Olympic logo made up of performers

It is Beijing's turn to hold the first-ever Olympiad in the old eastern country.

Beijing has got the baton.

The Olympic spirit will go on in China

Later on, an eight-minute long performance, which directed by big name Zhang Yimou, featured Chinese traditional art.

A girl played a role in Beijing Opera

Melody from Chinese folk musical instrument, Erhu

A dancer performed in Chinese apparel

(Photo Source: xinhua/sina)