Guangzhou:
Film starlet Zhang Ziyi and world-renowned pianist Lang Lang will perform together at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, which will be held not in a stadium but on an island.
The anticipated event on Friday will be staged in the middle of the Pearl River on Haixinsha Square, with residential buildings and the 610-metre high Guangzhou Tower as a backdrop.
A total of 45 boats, which feature the landmarks of the 45 participating countries and regions, will make their way up the river to the island carrying athletes and officials.
According to local media reports, a one-hour performance will prominently feature the local Lingnan culture, with Zhang and Lang's duet a highlight.
"Lang Lang, the world-renowned pianist, and Zhang Ziyi, the famous actress, will perform together. It will be a performance combining classical music and pop music," music director Li Haiying said Wednesday.
"It emphasizes romanticism instead of power."
Lighting director Sha Xiaolan said the ceremony would be like none ever seen before.
"It will be the largest lighting show of any big sports event. The lighting, fountains and fireworks will make Haixinsha a big sailing boat," he said.
"The lighting will bring Haixinsha and the Pearl River alive."
More than 10,000 athletes will be competing in 42 sports from November 12-27.