2015 IAAF World Athletics Championships kicks off in Beijing

Cui Meng is an experienced photographer covering natural disasters and crises, such as Wenchuan earthquake and Wuhan lockdown.

Cui Meng

Published: Aug 22, 2015 09:54 PM Updated: Aug 23, 2015 10:47 AM

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the world athletics championships in the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium on August 22, 2015. Photos: Cui Meng/GT

Flag-holders and banner-holders present the flags and nameplates of the participating IAAF Member Federations during the opening ceremony for the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships 2015 in Beijing, capital of China, on August 22, 2015.

A flag-holder lifting the national flag of China and a banner-holder carrying the nameplate of China enter the stadium during the opening ceremony for the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships 2015 in Beijing, capital of China, on August 22, 2015.

Young actors perform during the opening ceremony, themed "Flying with Dreams," on August 22, 2015.

Photo taken on August 22, 2015 shows a performance during the opening ceremony for the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships 2015 in Beijing, capital of China.

Actors perform during the opening ceremony for the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships 2015 in Beijing, capital of China, on August 22, 2015.

A woman performs at the opening ceremony for the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships 2015 in Beijing, capital of China, on August 22, 2015.

"Yan'er", the mascot of the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships, is displayed during the opening ceremony for the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing, capital of China, on August 22, 2015.