01:25Locals watched on in awe at a light show and fireworks display taking place at the Bird's Nest Stadium from a distance as the Beijing Winter Olympics kicked off on Friday.
The display marked the beginning of the games, though the opening rounds of some events had already started.
The games have come under controversy due to attacks on host country China's human rights records, especially regarding treatment of Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Northwest China.
The Beijing Winter Games start on February 4th and will last until February 20th. After that, the Paralympic Winter Games will begin on March 4th, lasting until March 13th.
China: Locals bedazzled by spectacular fireworks display to mark start of Beijing Winter Olympics
Locals watched on in awe at a light show and fireworks display taking place at the Bird's Nest Stadium from a distance as the Beijing Winter Olympics kicked off on Friday.
The display marked the beginning of the games, though the opening rounds of some events had already started.
The games have come under controversy due to attacks on host country China's human rights records, especially regarding treatment of Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Northwest China.
The Beijing Winter Games start on February 4th and will last until February 20th. After that, the Paralympic Winter Games will begin on March 4th, lasting until March 13th.
Locals watched on in awe at a light show and fireworks display taking place at the Bird's Nest Stadium from a distance as the Beijing Winter Olympics kicked off on Friday.
The display marked the beginning of the games, though the opening rounds of some events had already started.
The games have come under controversy due to attacks on host country China's human rights records, especially regarding treatment of Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Northwest China.
The Beijing Winter Games start on February 4th and will last until February 20th. After that, the Paralympic Winter Games will begin on March 4th, lasting until March 13th.