Fan dancers perform their routine in front of the National Stadium, also known as the 'Bird's Nest' (file photo)

Exact details for the lavish opening ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics this August are still secret, but some information on what audiences can expect to see has been released.

Chinese state media reported Wednesday that the ceremony, designed by famous film director Zhang Yimou, will include a huge fireworks display, colorful ethnic dancing, dragons, pandas and a cast of thousands highlighting 5,000 years of Chinese history.

The extravagant three-and-one-half hour opening ceremony will represent China's culture from ancient to modern times under the theme of "Civilization and Harmony."

Organizers say the process for lighting the Olympic flame has been set.  But the name of the torchbearer who will light the Olympic cauldron at the end of the ceremony has not yet been announced. 

Some information for this report was provided by AP.