The 2008 Summer Olympics opened on August 8 , 2008 at 8:08 p.m. with a grand ceremony at the Beijing National Stadium ( " Bird 's Nest " ) . Along with 10,942 athletes from 204 countries and regions who competed in 28 sports and 302 events , leaders from 80 countries also gathered in Beijing , for the largest international event in the city 's history . China , became the 22nd country to host the Olympics , and won the most gold medals for the first time . A record 86 countries medaled , with the United States topping the overall medal count . Some 1.7 million city residents volunteered during the games , setting an Olympic record . In keeping with its promise to IOC authorities that the right of public assembly would be respected during the Games , Beijing authorities designated three city parks as areas for demonstrations , but no permits for public demonstration were issued — the applications were either withdrawn or denied — and none took place
grand ceremony
2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony
History of Beijing