2022 Winter Olympics opening ceremony: Best moments from the event

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing have officially opened.

ByMorgan Winsor and Kiara Alfonseca
Last Updated: February 4, 2022, 8:29 PM EST

The 2022 Winter Olympics kicked off in China's capital this week with the opening ceremony on Friday, marking the official start of the Games.

While preliminary competitions had already begun in curling, ice hockey, luge and various skiing events, the opening ceremony was a chance for the host country to make a statement to the world with an unforgettable display and performance. The much-awaited spectacle, which was held at the National Stadium in Beijing, began at 8 p.m. local time (7 a.m. ET) and was broadcast live on NBC.

The United States has imposed a diplomatic boycott of this year's Beijing Olympics. While American athletes will still participate, President Joe Biden's administration will not send an official delegation to the Games due to China's "ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity" in the northwestern Xinjiang region, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters last December. The move was swiftly followed by Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.

Highlights:

Here are key moments from the opening ceremony. All times Eastern.
Feb 04, 2022, 7:33 AM EST

Ceremony features high-tech performances

The opening ceremony in the National Stadium kicked off with a countdown marking the celebration of the coming of spring. About 400 performers took to the stage waving giant LED sticks meant to represent a waving Spring willow tree.

On the floor of the arena, a cinematic light display played, with butterflies and dandelions welcoming the return of the season.

Performers during the opening ceremony at the 2022 Beijing Olympics at the National Stadium, in Beijing, Feb. 4, 2022.
Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

The nation's flag was then passed among performers to represent the diversity and acceptance of the country. The games arrive as criticism and protests against Chinese President Xi Jinping and his government's treatment of ethnic and religious minorities continue.

The move was followed by the national anthem. 

A view of fireworks lighting up the sky above the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, Feb. 4, 2022.
Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images

A striking 3D display of a rushing river, inspired by an ancient Chinese poem about the Yellow River lifted from the floor. 

On the river's surface, the past 23 Winter Games were listed and honored. The projection of the river fell and uncovered the Olympic rings, which set the stage for the Parade of Nations.

Feb 04, 2022, 7:04 AM EST

Opening ceremony kicks off

The opening ceremony for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing has begun.

The event is taking place at the National Stadium in Beijing. The 80,000-seat stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, will also hold the closing ceremony on Feb. 20. It was the same venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics, which was the last time China hosted the Games.

A light show is pictured at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, in Beijing, Feb. 2, 2022.
Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

Chinese authorities tightened travel restrictions for Beijing ahead of the Games, requiring all travelers to the city to take a nucleic acid test within 72 hours of entry as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

A worker prepares to administer a COVID-19 test at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Feb. 2, 2022, in Beijing.
Natacha Pisarenko/AP

Moreover, the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee announced that no public tickets to the Games will be sold due to the "grave and complicated situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators." Instead, groups of spectators will be invited to the Games, and "the organizers expect that these spectators will strictly abide by the COVID-19 countermeasures before, during and after each event," the committee said.

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