Breathtaking ceremony opens 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou
The 16th Asian Games has opened in central Guangzhou in a blaze of fireworks as China staged the biggest sporting gala since the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The spectacular ceremony took place on Haixinsha Island in the Pearl River, with the 610-meter high Guangzhou Tower as a backdrop. Before the event tens of thousands of ordinary Guangzhou residents welcomed the games to their city as the 45 participating delegations sailed from White Swan Bay in the stunning Pearl River pageant. To view video from the opening ceremony and pageant and keep up to date with the games action visit the CNTV Special Feature 16th Asian Games.