"You made the Games," said IOC President Jacques Rogge.
The Closing Ceremony also served to indicate the official start of London's role as host of the 2012 Olympics. The UK national flag was raised and the Olympic flag was handed over to London. A short performance followed to showcase Britain's enthusiasm for the Games, and famed footballer David Beckham was there to kick off a football to mark the start of London's Olympic journey.
At 9:25 p.m., the Beijing Olympic flame was slowly extinguished.
The evening's celebration culminated in an emotional duet performance of "The Flame of Love" by Spanish tenor Placido Domingo and Chinese singer Song Zuying.
"Come, come, please stay. Please stay, guests from afar," sang dozens of young singers as the grandest carnival of mankind concluded. Fireworks exploded, simultaneously from the top of the Bird's Nest and above Tian'anmen Square.
