The Olympics opening ceremonies in Beijing was probably the most amazing opening of a ceremony, or opening of anything, that we have ever seen! Some 15,000 performers and 30,000 fireworks launched most expensive Games on record!

The Beijing Olympic games is set to be the most expensive ever held, with total costs around 295 billion yuan ($43.13 billion) – a city administration spokesman (Liu Zhi) said on Monday.

The money spent is made up of operational fund, venue construction costs and infrastructure costs. 19 world class venues have been built, including the Bird’s Nest Stadium now featured on the nation’s 10 yuan note (limited edition), plus infrastructure projects such as the Capital Airport’s Terminal 3, the world’s largest building.

The road and subway network has been greatly expanded while pocket parks, sometimes with stunning plant sculptures have been created.

The stadium has been dogged by controversy, as 6,000 homes were demolished to make way for it and there were claims that 10 people died in accidents during the four years it has taken to build. The Beijing authorities have relocated more than a million people to facilitate these construction projects.

Copyright : Getty images