The 16th Asian Games officially opened yesterday in the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou with a “breakthrough” ceremony that organisers hope will linger long in the memory.

In a departure from the standard openings, Guangzhou, China’s third-biggest city, held the traditional curtain raiser on a boat-shaped island in the middle of the Pearl River instead of in a stadium.

The extravaganza ignited a huge security sweep to protect national leaders including Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, with forces mounting a land, sea and air operation that brought parts of the city of over 10 million to a standstill.

Central to the water theme of the ceremony was a flotilla of 45 boats – representing each competing team – that sailed up the river before anchoring off Haixinsha island, where a packed grandstand eagerly awaited.

The 9.3-kilometre cruise saw each brightly lit float carry a landmark of the individual country or territory, as crowds on the embankment, many of them waving Chinese flags, cheered and clapped.

On a warm, clear night, the 610-metre Guangzhou Tower unlea­shed a volley of red fireworks before a People’s Liberation Army brass band played a rousing rendition of the Chinese national anthem to kick off the spectacular.

Film starlet Zhang Ziyi and world-renowned pianist Lang Lang delighted the audience with a joint performance that was followed by yellow jet skis motoring up and down a pool in front of thousands of spectators in the main stand.

The imposing lattice-style Guangzhou Tower, shimmering in the colours of the rainbow, peered over as each team in turn paraded on the islet of Haixinsha, which means “sand in the heart of the river”.

North Korea, who unlike the Games four years ago in Doha did not march with South Korea, were given a particularly warm reception, as were Taiwan, but that was nothing compared to the roar when the Chinese team made their entry last.

Mr Wen officially declared the Games open, his announcement setting off a barrage of fireworks that lit up the night sky and afterwards left a dense haze of smoke hovering over the venue.

Beijing Olympic gold medal-winning diver He Chong lit the flame.

More than 10,000 athletes will be competing in 42 sports at the Games, the biggest Asiad ever, which end on November 27.