Giant figures represented the athletes competing in the Games ©Getty Images

An aerial display during the Opening Ceremony ©Getty Images

A group of dancers brought a splash of colour to proceedings ©AFP/Getty ImagesInternational Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach knows no major event can pass by these days without a selfie ©AFP/Getty Images

Soldiers helped remove water from the centre of the stadium as rain lashed Nanjing ©Getty Images

Performers putting on a show during the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Youth Olympic Games ©Getty Images

The Olympic rings shone bright as Nanjing welcomed the world ©Getty Images

Dilixiati Dilana led the Chinese team into the stadium to huge cheers from the watching crowd ©ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images

Performers dressed as mascot NANJINGLELE ©AFP/Getty Images

Suspended over the stadium, dozens of dancers performed a series of stunning aerial tricks ©AFP/Getty Images

Olympic diving champion Chen Ruolin lit the Cauldron ©ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images

The Olympic Flame burning bright over the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre ©AFP/Getty Images

Fireworks lit up the night sky ©Getty Images

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