Simple opening ceremony set for Nanjing Games

The performance will highlight the youthful vitality of the area and also incorporate international elements.

There is less than a month away from the opening of the Youth Olympic Games slated for Nanjing. The cauldron will be lit on August 16th. So what can be expected for the opening spectacle? The organizing Committee revealed some of their plans Tuesday in Nanjing.

The chief director of the opening ceremony, Chen Weiya says the performance will highlight the youthful vitality of the area and also incorporate international elements. And Nanjing's history will also be an important part of the opening -- the city has an important place in China's past -- as it was the capital during six dynasties.

Do not expect an elaborate show for the curtain raising --- as the organizers will try and keep costs low. For a comparison -- the 2008 Beijing Olympics used 14-thousand performers, the Nanjing Youth Olympics plan to use a third of that.

"The Beijing Olympics ceremony was nearly four hours. And this time we'll finish in 90 miniutes. It's not easy to show excellent elements in a short time. If our budget was to be doubled, it would still be the least expensive Olympic ceremony. We will try and be frugal with our budget," Chief Director of Nanjing Youth Olympics opening and closing ceremony Chen Weiya said.