Guangzhou is no stranger to big sporting events. It put on a spectacular show when it hosted the Asian Games in 2010, merely two years after Beijing’s show-stopping Olympics. The world’s biggest sporting events may have left China for the time being, but that doesn’t mean people in Guangzhou weren’t part of the London Olympic hype as the historic city held its opening ceremonies. In Guangzhou, all eyes turned to the Canton Tower which celebrated the opening of the Games with a special sporting lights display and a public exhibition showcasing the best of Britain.

Hundreds of people turned out to visit a specially-designed British exhibition featuring iconic London phone booths. The exhibition showcased the best of the UK’s industries and sectors, which have influenced many parts of the world. Audiences were also treated to the Scottish sounds from a bagpipe performance.

Alastair Morgan, the British Consul General, told audiences at the tower: “We hope more and more people come to know a brand new UK from this London Olympics.”

Morgan also dismissed some concerns that problems in the lead-up to the opening of the Games would hurt the UK’s image. “I’m not sure we’ve had a triumph but we’ve overcome the difficulties. We expected challenges, and I’m confident it will be a really positive Games that the world will enjoy.”

Special guests on stage in Guangzhou included two local champions, former Olympic gold medalists, diver Yang Jinghui and weightlifter Chen Xiaomin, while they were also joined on-stage by famed fashion designer Jimmy Choo.

Yao Li, who visited the British exhibition, travelled from Hunan Province with her son on the recommendation of her friend. ”I enjoy the flag-hoisting marches part most,” she said. “The spiritual outlook of each country, the flags, the scales and the colourful suits they dress [in]. I also enjoy watching football games.”

While events wrapped up in Guangzhou with a special lighting display at night, several hours later in London people around the world watched as movie director Danny Boyle orchestrated ‘The Isles of Wonder’, wowing audiences with a memorable opening ceremony.

Of the 379 Chinese athletes competing in London, over 40 are from Guangdong Province, and Yi Jianlian, a Chinese NBA player, from Heshan, led the Chinese team out into the Olympic Stadium as flag-bearer.

Check out the latest Nanfang Studio album with photos from the London Olympics Day Zero at the Canton Tower.