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London can match Beijing's spectacular Olympic opening ceremony when it stages the Games in 2012, said Olympics minister Tessa Jowell.
"We should not be intimidated," Jowell said. "We will do something just as wonderful and just as extraordinary.
"Beijing has done something absolutely stupendous that everyone there will remember for the rest of their lives.
"It is our turn now and we look forward to it. It is a huge challenge but it is one that we will rise to and emulate."
London 2012 officials have admitted they will not be able to commit the same resources to their opening event.
'Beijing's night'
But chief executive Paul Deighton said London organisers can stage an equally inspirational ceremony in four years time.
"We are not daunted; we are really, really excited, what an inspirational show. We can't wait to get started on our welcome to London in four years' time," he said.
"Everyone expected an opening ceremony of epic proportion and China did not disappoint, including a most spectacular finale."
Many of the world's heads of state were in the Bird's Nest stadium for the opening which included a total of 14,000 performers.
The Chinese authorities imposed the strictest of security precautions and deployed an extra 100,000 soldiers and police on the streets.
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