With four rounds of spectacular fireworks, the first complete dress rehearsal for the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony was held half-secretly in the National Stadium at 8 pm, July 16.

Visitors were able to peak into details of Zhang Yimou's 85-minute long extravaganza through the performers' eye-catching costumes and loud music played inside the stadium, nicknamed the Bird's Nest.

A pack of curious Chinese and foreign journalists lined up around the steel-beamed venue, taking notes and news photos.