The mixture of cutting edge technology, innovative design (by the brilliant Briton, Mark Fisher), vast mass performance choreography and Zhang Yimou's filmic direction gave it a unique flavour and one which I'm sure will pay huge dividends for the games and for China’s sense of national pride. There's little doubt that, after the pent up anticipation for these Games, Yimou's Opening has given them a really healthy kick start.
The length of the athlete's parade will, I'm sure, be debated. But where and when other than at this remarkable occasion does one see large representations of just about every nation in the world enter the same door and share the same celebratory space? In a ceremony where symbolism means so much, especially in Chinese culture, the eloquence of the parade can't be under-estimated.
'So how can London follow this?', 'Has Beijing raised the bar again?' and 'Can you compete with this in four years?' – predictable questions from some in the bus back to our hotel. The reality is that tonight was the most wonderful ceremony for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Perfect, perhaps, for its time and its place. London is a different place and time moves on too. We have different cultures to celebrate, and a range of our own unique strengths, values and assets to draw on. We'll create our own very special night in four years' time. There's no competition here – and from my perspective nothing other than even more inspiration to take back to our own plans – firstly for Handover on 24th August and then planning ahead for 2012.
My Olympics
Follow your favourite countries and sports