From the cool of 2,008 Fou drummers to the culture of Confucius to the control of kung-fu fighters, to a jaw-dropping lighting of the Olympic flame it was undeniably spectacular, raising to a new leve all the choreographed dance routines we have come to expect from such events.

 

It is estimated that Beijing spent £52 million on producing last night's event which featured 14,000 performers.

 

But Paul Deighton, the chief executive of London 2012, said: "We are not daunted, we are really, really excited, what an inspirational show.

 

"We can't wait to get started on our welcome to London in four years' time.

 

"Everyone expected an Opening Ceremony of epic proportion and China did not disappoint, including a most spectacular finale.

"We now look forward to 16 days of sport, and, for us, 16 days of learning as we prepare for the the next Summer Games in London."

 

The Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell also said that London would stage an Olympics that would be just as memorable of those that are anticipated in Beijing.

 

She said: "We should not be intimidated.

 

"We will do something just as wonderful and just as extraordinary.

 

"Beijing has done something absolutely stupendous that everyone there will remember for the rest of their lives.

 

"It is our turn now and we look forward to it.

 

"It is a huge challenge but it is one that we will rise to and emulate.

 

"There won't be any problem for London because we will host what I hope will be the greatest Games ever in our own way consistent with the promise and the vision that captivated the IOC (International Olympic Committee) in Singapore three years ago.

 

"That's what we will do - a commitment to regenerating the East End of London, a commitment to transforming sport for young people in this country, and we are on the way to doing that.

 

"I wouldn't be afraid or daunted by these big figures or the scale of what you see in China - just hold faith with the great Games we are going to hold in London in just four years time.

 

"We're doing well we've just to make sure we do our best and deliver for people around the UK who have got such high expectations of the Olympics."

 

Mar Foster, who is attending his fifth Olympic Games at the age of 38 and carried Britain's flag, said: “Walking around the arena was mind-blowing and amazing.

“I’ve achieved a lot in my time, but if I don’t win an Olympic medal, doing this tonight will be my Olympic medal.

 

“It was an honour first and foremost, but the experience of leading the team out made me really proud.

 

"It was brilliant and unbelievably worth it.”

Trampolinist Claire Wright was one of the British athletes who took part in the parade at her first Olympic Games.

She said: “It was an absolutely amazing experience and something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

“I couldn’t believe the noise that 91,000 people can make.

 

"I don’t think I’ll ever experience anything like it again, it was absolutely wonderful.”

Team GB hockey player Stephen Dick, who is also about to compete at his first Olympic Games, said: “It was an unbelievable experience.

 

"It was a great atmosphere inside the Bird’s Nest . It was just out of this world.”

 

Jacques Rogge, the President of the IOC, said: “That was spectacular.

 

The world was able to join in a magnificent tribute to the athletes and the Olympic spirit.

 

"It was an unforgettable and moving ceremony that celebrated the imagination, originality and energy of the Beijing Games.

 

“We saw 204 national delegations march into the beautiful new National Stadium in the age-old tradition of the Games.

 

"Millions of people around the world were able to experience the thrill of seeing their heroes in a sea of team colours and national flags.

 

“We witnessed athletes from these 204 countries and territories united in peace in one place.

 

"And for the next 16 days, they will be a part of one of the most thrilling competitions in history.

 

"As an Olympian, I can tell you that they will carry this memory with them forever.

 

“This iconic stadium is one of the world’s new wonders.

 

"It was a fitting setting for an amazing opening ceremony.

 

"I look forward to an equally exciting and unforgettable 16 days.”

 

Hein Verbruggen, the IOC member who is the chairman of the the Co-ordination Commission for the Beijing Games, said: “Opening ceremonies have always been a way for host cities to welcome the world and for the world to gather and share the Olympic spirit.

 

"This ceremony to open the Beijing Olympic Games was a breathtaking culmination of seven years of planning and preparation.

 

"The world will remember this for a long time.”