Fans streamed into the Olympic Park on Tuesday, with the vast majority seemingly delighted to be part of the London 2012 Games - no matter what the cost.
The long-term benefits of staging the Olympics is endlessly debated every time a city wins the right to stage the Games.
But more often than not during the event itself, national pride, euphoria and an overall feel-good factor take over.
Special coverage: 2012 London Olympic Games
Source: SNTV
Editor: Yao Yuzhi (Intern)
Voiceover: Chris Clark
Producer: Flora Yue