A photo taken on September 18, 2023 shows a sports ball-themed light show scene from a rehearsal of the opening ceremony of 19th Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. /CFP
A photo taken on September 18, 2023 shows troupes dressed in colorful costumes dancing with mascots at a rehearsal of the opening ceremony of 19th Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. /CFP
A photo taken on September 18, 2023 shows a scene from a light show at a rehearsal of the opening ceremony of 19th Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. /CFP
A photo taken on September 18, 2023 shows a scene featuring floating lanterns during a rehearsal of the opening ceremony of 19th Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. /CFP
Futuristic light shows, troupes dressed in colorful costumes and sets and choreography portraying scenes of Chinese and Asian cultures and history – these are some of the elements spectators can be expected at Saturday's opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Raising the curtain for two weeks of sport competitions – where over 12,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries and regions will compete in 481 events – the five rehearsals for the opening ceremony were staged between August 29 and September 18. Fireworks will reportedly not feature at this year's ceremony, as the Games organizers move towards staging a greener, more eco-friendly event.