The must-see images of the 2022 Olympic opening ceremony
Socially distanced crowd
People wait for the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Colorful beginning
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
PHOTO: Matt Slocum
Opening overview
An overview of the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, at the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, on Feb. 4, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT/AFP via Getty Images)
PHOTO: FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT
Signs of spring
Performers create a flower display with LED lights during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Adam Pretty
Illumination
Performers wave light sticks during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
PHOTO: Bernat Armangue
Tribute to Winter Games
Performs participate in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Flowers and fireworks
Performers create a flower display with LED lights during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PHOTO: David Ramos
Spring celebrated
Spring is spelled out in fireworks over Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Jeff Roberson
Leaders gather
President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping wave during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Setting the stage
The Chinese national flag is carried to the stage to be raised during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
PHOTO: Matt Slocum
Winter Games begin
Performs participate in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Team USA enters
Athletes from the United States arrive during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Jeff Roberson
Team USA takes the stage
Flag bearers Brittany Bowe and John Shuster of Team United States lead the team during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Lintao Zhang
Parade of athletes
The delegation from the United States takes part in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, at the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, on Feb. 4, 2022. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
PHOTO: BEN STANSALL
Picture perfect
Members of Team United States pose for a photograph during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Lintao Zhang
Exciting entrance
Members of Team United States wave during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PHOTO: David Ramos
Team USA
Flag bearers Brittany Bowe and John Shuster of Team United States carry their flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Matthew Stockman
American Samoa carries national flag
Nathan Crumpton, of American Samoa, carries his national flag into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
China makes its entrance
Flag bearers Tingyu Gao and Dan Zhao of Team China carry their flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PHOTO: David Ramos
China closes opening ceremony
A general view inside the stadium as Team China enters the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Catherine Ivill
Nations recognized
Thomas Bach, IOC President walks alongside flags of each participating country during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Alex Pantling
Participating countries celebrated
General View inside the stadium as performers hold up snowflakes with the names of participating countries during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Lintao Zhang
Snowflake shoutout
Performers hold up snowflakes with the names of participating countries during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Ezra Shaw
Snowy start
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Bernat Armangue
Striking images
General View inside the stadium as a large Olympic ring logo and a large snowflake are seen during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Maddie Meyer
Winter wonder
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Jeff Roberson
Socially distanced crowd
People wait for the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Colorful beginning
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
PHOTO: Matt Slocum
Opening overview
An overview of the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, at the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, on Feb. 4, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT/AFP via Getty Images)
PHOTO: FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT
Signs of spring
Performers create a flower display with LED lights during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Adam Pretty
Illumination
Performers wave light sticks during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
PHOTO: Bernat Armangue
Tribute to Winter Games
Performs participate in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Flowers and fireworks
Performers create a flower display with LED lights during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PHOTO: David Ramos
Spring celebrated
Spring is spelled out in fireworks over Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Jeff Roberson
Leaders gather
President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping wave during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Setting the stage
The Chinese national flag is carried to the stage to be raised during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
PHOTO: Matt Slocum
Winter Games begin
Performs participate in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Team USA enters
Athletes from the United States arrive during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Jeff Roberson
Team USA takes the stage
Flag bearers Brittany Bowe and John Shuster of Team United States lead the team during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Lintao Zhang
Parade of athletes
The delegation from the United States takes part in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, at the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, on Feb. 4, 2022. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
PHOTO: BEN STANSALL
Picture perfect
Members of Team United States pose for a photograph during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Lintao Zhang
Exciting entrance
Members of Team United States wave during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PHOTO: David Ramos
Team USA
Flag bearers Brittany Bowe and John Shuster of Team United States carry their flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Matthew Stockman
American Samoa carries national flag
Nathan Crumpton, of American Samoa, carries his national flag into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
China makes its entrance
Flag bearers Tingyu Gao and Dan Zhao of Team China carry their flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PHOTO: David Ramos
China closes opening ceremony
A general view inside the stadium as Team China enters the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Catherine Ivill
Nations recognized
Thomas Bach, IOC President walks alongside flags of each participating country during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Alex Pantling
Participating countries celebrated
General View inside the stadium as performers hold up snowflakes with the names of participating countries during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Lintao Zhang
Snowflake shoutout
Performers hold up snowflakes with the names of participating countries during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Ezra Shaw
Snowy start
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Bernat Armangue
Striking images
General View inside the stadium as a large Olympic ring logo and a large snowflake are seen during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Maddie Meyer
Winter wonder
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Jeff Roberson
Socially distanced crowd
People wait for the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Colorful beginning
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
PHOTO: Matt Slocum
Opening overview
An overview of the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, at the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, on Feb. 4, 2022. (Photo by FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT/AFP via Getty Images)
PHOTO: FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT
Signs of spring
Performers create a flower display with LED lights during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Adam Pretty
Illumination
Performers wave light sticks during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
PHOTO: Bernat Armangue
Tribute to Winter Games
Performs participate in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Flowers and fireworks
Performers create a flower display with LED lights during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PHOTO: David Ramos
Spring celebrated
Spring is spelled out in fireworks over Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Jeff Roberson
Leaders gather
President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping wave during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Setting the stage
The Chinese national flag is carried to the stage to be raised during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
PHOTO: Matt Slocum
Winter Games begin
Performs participate in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
Team USA enters
Athletes from the United States arrive during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Jeff Roberson
Team USA takes the stage
Flag bearers Brittany Bowe and John Shuster of Team United States lead the team during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Lintao Zhang
Parade of athletes
The delegation from the United States takes part in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, at the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, on Feb. 4, 2022. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
PHOTO: BEN STANSALL
Picture perfect
Members of Team United States pose for a photograph during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Lintao Zhang
Exciting entrance
Members of Team United States wave during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PHOTO: David Ramos
Team USA
Flag bearers Brittany Bowe and John Shuster of Team United States carry their flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Matthew Stockman
American Samoa carries national flag
Nathan Crumpton, of American Samoa, carries his national flag into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
PHOTO: Jae C. Hong
China makes its entrance
Flag bearers Tingyu Gao and Dan Zhao of Team China carry their flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
PHOTO: David Ramos
China closes opening ceremony
A general view inside the stadium as Team China enters the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Catherine Ivill
Nations recognized
Thomas Bach, IOC President walks alongside flags of each participating country during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Alex Pantling
Participating countries celebrated
General View inside the stadium as performers hold up snowflakes with the names of participating countries during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Lintao Zhang
Snowflake shoutout
Performers hold up snowflakes with the names of participating countries during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Ezra Shaw
Snowy start
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Bernat Armangue
Striking images
General View inside the stadium as a large Olympic ring logo and a large snowflake are seen during the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium on Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing, China. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Maddie Meyer
Winter wonder
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
PHOTO: Jeff Roberson
The 2022 Winter Olympics are officially underway in Beijing. Check out these images captured during the opening ceremony, which is a traditional chance to showcase the host nation's culture and bring out its best.