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According to the Chinese Ministry of Culture, the country has invited some 20,000 artists from more than 80 countries to put on 300 shows as part of the international spectacle.

Performing arts highlights are the "Divas in Beijing" performance at the sleek new $438 million National Center for the Performing Arts, featuring renowned sopranos Renee Fleming, Sumi Jo, and Angela Gheorghiu; a performance by the Royal Danish Ballet, and a collaboration between the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and a Beijing children's choir.

Museums are also bringing out their best, with museums such as the Capital Museum, the Palace Museum, and the Xu Beihong Museum showing paintings, artifacts, and other objects spanning China's 5,000-year heritage.

"The Games is the perfect opportunity to showcase China's rich history and culture," said Lu Bin, a director at the Beijing government's culture bureau. "Having overseas artists perform in China represents our integration with the global community."