Despite its share of controversies, this year’s Beijing Olympic Games will stay with me a long time.

The awe and magnitude of the Opening Ceremony had me glued to the tv.

Was it the sheer number of participants 2,008 drummers, the huge LED screen which was unrolled, the choreography and direction of acclaimed director Zhang Zimou, or was it the music?

In case you missed watching the 4-hour long ceremony, turn on your computer’s speakers.

This audio slideshow by China Daily showcases some wonderful photography. No photo credit is given so the images must be from a pool of photographers.

As I watched each still image, I wished I could have been there to capture them myself.

I don’t care what the mayor of London says. This is going to be tough to top.