Fireworks explode over the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during a rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at the Olympic Green in Beijing, July 16, 2008.

"We want the Olympic spirit to be seen and felt throughout the entire city on the evening of the opening ceremonies."

A trial display on July 16 has already given some people in Beijing a taste of what the fireworks can produce, including one that formed the five Olympic rings.

The real show of fireworks will last a combined 17-20 minutes for the opening ceremony.

Green concerns have not gone unnoticed because the pyrotechnics made by two factories in Hunan province and one in Jiangxi province have special qualities to minimize their impact on the environment.

They are fire-retardant, pose no threat to even the "bubble-covered" swimming center - the Water Cube - and will not leave any residue after burning. To top it all, air pressure, instead of rockets, will be used to launch them.

Combined with digital technology, they will delight the eye as well as add a thematic flourish to China's biggest party.

(China Daily July 24, 2008)