The Beijing 2008 Olympics were held from August 8 to August 24, 2008, in Beijing, China. This event marked the first time China hosted the Summer Olympics, featuring over 10,000 athletes from 204 countries competing in 302 events across 28 sports. The opening ceremony, directed by Zhang Yimou, showcased China's culture and history, captivating audiences worldwide. The games were notable for their impressive venues, including the iconic Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube for swimming events. The United States topped the medal count, followed by China and Russia.