The sun sets behind Haixinsha Stadium shortly before the start of the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 12, 2010. (TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images)2010 Asian Games Opening Ceremony
Earlier today, in Guangzhou, China, the Opening Ceremony for the 16th Asian Games took place, with lavish stagecraft, costumes, fireworks and performers welcoming participants. Some 14,000 athletes from 45 countries and territories will compete in 42 sporting disciplines until November 27. Collected here are colorful scenes from Guangzhou, China.
In pictures: Asian Games open
The Official Website of the 16th Asian Games
Guangzhou using Asian Games as spark for urban redevelopment
The Guangzhou city government has earmarked more than 1 trillion yen ($12.1 billion) for urban redevelopment and infrastructure projects.
At the same time, the city must grapple with glaring contradictions, not the least of which is a growing disparity in wealth among residents.
