Huang Tengshi, an 82-year-old retired official who lives in Beijing, was part of the audience. He said he was very excited when the giant screen showed documentary clips featuring Xi and former top leaders Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao.

An audience member or participant in anniversary celebrations in Tian'anmen Square or the Great Hall of the People since the late 1950s, Huang said the Bird's Nest's gala was the most impressive and imposing he had seen, giving him a strong immersive experience and stirring his love for the Party.