Opening night coincided with National Fitness Day, which falls on Aug 8 each year, and celebrated with an event that brought together 400 cycling enthusiasts.

Participants cycled along a 5-kilometer route passing by landmarks, such as the National Stadium, the National Aquatics Center, the National Indoor Stadium, Olympic Tower, the China Science and Technology Museum and the Museum of the Communist Party of China, as part of an effort to promote public fitness initiatives.

Starting on Aug 16, a series of sports and cultural activities will take place in Beijing's Changping district. They will include a youth triathlon, a dual Olympics-themed camp, and the Run Girls women's marathon, adding to the diverse array of events under the festival's umbrella.