"The scale of production really stunned me. There are so many performers in each segment," exclaimed the seasoned snapper.

However, it is "hard to understand the Chinese factors featuring in those segments without programs" which won't be available till before the ceremony, said Hershorn while looking through the pictures he took at the rehearsals on his camera.

The opening ceremony is directed by Zhang Yimou, the renowned Chinese film director who has gained global fame for his masterpieces characterized by magnificent scenes, vibrant colors and typical China look.

According to Hershorn, the withdrawal of U.S. film director Steven Spielberg as an artistic advisor to the ceremony was not detrimental. Nonetheless, it could "make the ceremony less Hollywood, and exhibit more true Chinese culture."

In addition to Chinese culture, the convergence of different cultures will also be a highlight of the opening ceremony on Aug. 8. The best example is the theme song to be presented by famed Chinese singer Liu Huan and British diva Sarah Brightman for some 5 billion viewers worldwide.

"She is great. A perfect person to sing the theme song," Hershorn said. "She is very famous in Britain, although she is not my taste."

"It would be the finest part of artistic history," concluded Francisco Gallego, a sports editor with the EFE Agency.

Brightman, who performed "Amigos Para Siempre" at the closing ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in a duet with Spaniard Jose Carreras, gained world acclaim for her unique style blending classical vocals and pop-inspired instrumentation and arrangements.

The duet between the Brit and Liu represents the determination of China to welcome the world with its open arms during the Games.

What about after the Games? Yoshio Sato, deputy managing editor with the Asahi Shimbun, expressed his concerns.

"China has been more transparent recently," said the Japanese. "I am wondering whether this trend will be consistent after the Olympic Games."

Likening the China of present day to 1964 Japan when the 18th Olympic Games was held in the emerging economy, Sato hoped the opening ceremony could send a clear message of peaceful rising to the world in the 21st century.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)