The torch was passed from speedskater Zhao Weichang to short-track athlete Li Yan, before being passed to short-track athlete Yang Yang, track-and-field Olympian Su Bingtian and short-track athlete Zhou Yang.

It was then passed to two final 2022 Olympians: cross-country skier Dinigeer Yilamujiang and Nordic Combined athlete Jiawen Zhao.

The two lit the Olympic cauldron together to represent gender equality.

Dinigeer is from Xinjiang and is of the Uyghur minority. Chinese President Xi Jinping and the nation's government have been accused of genocide and human rights violations against this population, prompting international protests and a U.S. diplomatic boycott.

Fireworks then erupted over the stadium and officially commenced the Winter Olympics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing officially open, following remarks from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.

The declaration was followed by a display of fireworks overhead and performers -- some on roller skates -- gliding or walking across the stadium floor, revealing colorful images and photographs behind them.

Next, there was a rendition of John Lennon's iconic song "Imagine." Then another poignant, snowflake-filled performance where dozens of children joyfully sang in unison.

Beijing Communist Party Secretary and President of the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee Cai Qi thanked and welcomed the athletes, offering words of peace and unity -- a running theme throughout the opening ceremony. 

"The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 is to show the world how people boldly rise to challenges and forge ahead into the future that is being worked together to add a new chapter to building a community with a shared future for mankind," he said.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach in turn thanked the Chinese people "wholeheartedly" for being "gracious hosts" and "welcoming us all so warmly" in his official speech in the opening ceremony.

He also extended gratitude to those on the front lines, including doctors and scientists, for their "outstanding efforts and solidarity" amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

He made no direct mention of the alleged Uyghur genocide and crimes against humanity in the country but did emphasize the importance of peace and unity.

"You will live peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic village," Bach told athletes. "There will be no discrimination for any reason whatsoever." 

"In our fragile world with division, conflict and mistrust on the rise, we show the world, yes, it is possible to be fierce rivals while at the same time living peacefully and respectfully together," he added, saying this is the mission of the Olympic games.

He then said: "I appeal to all political authorities across the world: Observe your commitment to this Olympic truce. Give peace a chance."

Snowflakes representing all of the countries converged on the floor of the National Stadium, symbolizing the world coming together. 

The imagery was inspired by the uniqueness of each individual snowflake, as well as a Chinese poem that describes a snowy canopy at the center of a gathering. 

A stunning 3D display of the Northern Lights took over the arena, as dancers filled the stadium in the next portion of the creative performance.