Fireworks, red flags, Chinese opera and the Great Wall are expected to take centre stage at today's Olympic Games opening ceremony as the world's most-populous nation attempts to showcase 5000 years of culture in 50 minutes.
At the rate of 100 years a minute, that's a tall order, even for a one-party state with 1.3 billion people at its disposal.
The ceremony has been a closely guarded secret during three years of preparations by a communist nation good at keeping secrets.
The security ring was breached slightly this week by a Korean television station, but all 15,000 artistic participants were sworn to secrecy long ago.
What unfolds at Beijing's 90,000-seat Bird's Nest stadium remains a source of fascination for those who regard this event as a virtual coming-out party for an emerging economic, political and sporting giant. There won't be a Hills hoist in sight, but that is one of the few certainties.
Organisers have let slip the blockbuster will include fireworks, Chinese opera and a tribute to victims of the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province that killed almost 70,000 people.
Thirty seconds of footage shot surreptitiously during rehearsals by Korean broadcaster SBS also revealed a strong futuristic theme, including a moving sea of what looked like white tower blocks and hundreds of men practising martial arts.
There was also a huge red globe in the middle of the stadium, as well as hundreds of extras waving red flags and beating drums.
The extravaganza is in the hands of China's top director, Zhang Yimou, who received an Oscar nomination for his film Raise the Red Lantern.
Zhang, an internationally acclaimed film director, says it is ''absolutely impossible'' to display his country's 5000-year history in such a brief time, so the ideas would be simplified to make them understandable to foreigners and younger generations.
He laughed-off reports suggesting performers had to sign contracts with draconian confidentiality clauses.
''In terms of a seven-year prison sentence for leaks, I've no idea,'' he said. ''I've never heard of that. Who would sentence whom? Can the International Olympic Committee send people to prison?''
Zhang's biggest fear is wet weather.
Although contingency plans have been prepared, he admits rain at 8.08pm local time (10pm in Canberra) would be a nightmare for him.
''Obviously we hope God will bless us and give us good weather,'' he said.
''If it rains it must be a lower grade performance. Some performances in the air or some high-tech and mechanical arrangements will have to be cancelled for safety reasons.'' Many observers believe the big finale, the lighting of the Olympic flame, could involve some aerial acrobatics after Beijing organisers announced the final torch-bearer would be selected partly based on special requirements of lighting the flame.
Almost half Australia's Olympic contingent of 433 athletes will miss the traditional march past at the opening ceremony.
More than 100 are at other venues, while others competing the next day will be watching on television, including swim captain Grant Hackett. AAP
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