Head bowed in concentration, a Chinese worker begins the delicate task of threading wires into a line of yellow containers as he prepares for a spectacular fireworks display at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Designed originally for indoor use, the 'cold' fireworks reach a temperature of 'only' 270C (518F) and quickly cool to 100C (212F), protecting the membrane structure of the new National Stadium where the display takes place.

Delicate task: A Chinese worker threads wire into yellow containers in preparation for a firework display

They will be fired from 11 ignition points around the stadium, including from a specially adapted fleet of cars with 'stages' at the back to house the explosives.

Each point will be guarded by gun-toting members of the People's Armed Police.

The 'green' fireworks have been specially designed to cause little pollution.

They were made in Liuyang City  -  China's 'fireworks city'  -  and have names such as Lei Pen Hua, meaning 'potted flower', and Bai Se Pu Bu ('white waterfall').

The elaborate opening ceremony at the 91,000-capacity 'Bird's Nest' stadium will take place on August 8 and will also include a performance of Chinese opera.