Small Olympic flame makes big impression

"We're not telling stories of China. Instead, we are telling a story of the world," he said, adding that the concept for Friday's ceremony was totally different to that used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Zhang also directed the opening ceremony 14 years ago, when he gathered a cast of 15,000 to showcase China's 5,000-year history and its traditional culture.

"In 2008, we were eager to introduce China to the world, including who we are and how we got here," he said.

"Fourteen years later, with China now the second-largest economy and with the world becoming more familiar with the nation, it's time to show a modern China and tell the planet that 'we're together'," he added.

"This is a stage to show Chinese people's values. We are the same as everyone across the globe. We're friendly, sincere, romantic and hope that everyone in the world is well."