August 8, 2008, 8:00 p.m., a significant moment for all Chinese people.
The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, a grand festival more celebrated than the Spring Festival.

At the time, I was in the cultural square of Liangxiang, the center of Fangshan District. Even in the suburbs of Beijing, the charm of Olympics attracted thousands of people to the square, where a big screen TV broadcasted the opening ceremony.

With several friends, I took a lot of snacks and a camera to the square, as well as a large piece of cloth, which served as a blanket. When we arrived, there was already an ocean of people. Nearby inhabitants spontaneously gathered to witness and celebrate the unprecedented significant ceremony. Excitement spread throughout the square. We were all looking forward to that sacred moment.

As the performed countdown came to an end, people burst out screaming and laughing. I was so intoxicated in the wonderful performance that I totally forgot about my snacks. Each scene was excellent, arousing widespread excitement among flushed faces. Audiences could not help singing high praises for those great performers and directors. Everything was amazing.

When the rain came down few people left. Even the thunder and rain could not wash away the crowd's passion for the Olympics and our great country. Fortunately the rain did not last long; even the heavens were doing the Olympics a favor. We kept waving our small flags. That night Beijing was boiling and sleepless.

By Chen Jialing, a volunteer for Beijing Olympics