Illuminated characters dance, march and ride uniwheel cycles in the Bird’s Nest during the closing ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
A spectacle of light and motion is in full view at the closing ceremony. Illuminated people riding single-wheel vehicles scatter about the National Stadium infield. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Men beat on large suspended drums to open the ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Volunteers relax outside the Bird’s Nest stadium during the closing ceremony. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
A performer jumps while wearing flexible stilts as silver-and-yellow-clad dancers stand nearby during the ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
A bronze-medal-winning French athlete romps on to the National Stadium field during the closing ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
A performer for the closing ceremony takes a break outside the Bird’s Nest stadium at the Olympics. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Another performer, illuminated and wearing stilts, rests outside the stadium. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
U.S. archer Khatuna Lorig carries in the American flag during the closing ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Chinese basketball star Yao Ming snaps a photo of fellow athletes during the closing ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
London Mayor Boris Johnson waves the Olympic flag symbolizing the Games’ transfer from China to England during closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
An energetic group of Canadian athletes enjoy their time on the National Stadium field during the 2008 Beijing Olympics closing ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Fireworks and a big structure in the middle of the National Stadium highlight the 2008 Beijing Olympics closing ceremony. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
