Beijing sells affordable annual pass to scenic spots

(BEIJING, January 10) -- Starting from Thursday, Beijing will sell annual passes to 33 scenic spots in the city's suburban areas.

The valuable tickets are available to every local resident and foreigner in Beijing, local media reported.

In recent years, Beijing has promoted sightseeing in the parks of the city's core areas by providing cheaper annual tickets. The new measure applies to the scenic spots which are rather distant to those people living in downtown areas. Today, these destinations can be reached through increasing means of public transportation.

The new tickets on sale are 60 RMB (approximately 8.2 US dollars) for the elderly (residents aged over 60 years) and for school and college students; 100 RMB (13.7 US dollars) for everyone else, including foreigners. Ticket-holders can go to the spots as many times as they like within the year.

Media accreditation for the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in the Mainland of China begins

(BEIJING, January 10) -- The media accreditation for the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in the Mainland of China begins today, according to BOCOG.

Media outside of the Mainland of China (including the media from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) are welcome to Beijing Olympic Torch Relay.

To cover the Olympic Torch Relay outside the Mainland of China, media can communicate directly with the city task force in each relay host city for media accreditation.

To cover the Olympic Torch Relay in the Mainland of China, media can apply to BOCOG. The Beijing Olympic Media Centre will process media applications. Media centres in provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities will provide support to media.

In addition, a Service Guide of Coverage of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay for Media outside the Mainland of China is published on website today to facilitate the coverage of the Olympic Torch Relay. The Guide compiles of 4 sections, regarding media policy, accreditation process, and services for the relay in the Mainland of China and access to official information.

(Related link: Service Guide of Coverage of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay for Media outside the Mainland of China)

On March 24, 2008, the Olympic flame that represents peace, friendship and hope will be lit once again in Olympia, Greece. As the prelude to the Beijing Olympic Games, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay marks a significant step in public's anticipation of Beijing Olympic Games.

Under the slogan of "Light the Passion, Share the Dream", the Olympic flame will embark on a "Journey of Harmony" by visiting 21 cities on the five continents, and travelling across all 31 Provinces, Autonomous Regions and Municipalities in the Mainland of China. The Olympic flame will also reach the world's highest mountain -- Mt. Qomolangma before it arrives at the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to light the main cauldron on 8 August 2008. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay, with the participation of more than 20,000 Torchbearers, the duration of 130 days, and a distance of approximately 137,000 km, will be remembered as the one that covers the longest distance and the widest geographical expanse and that involves the largest number of participants in the history of the modern Olympic Movement.

Beijing puts in one billion yuan to protect cultural relics

(BEIJING, January 8) -- Beijing has allocated one billion yuan (about 13 million U.S. dollars) to protect its cultural relics in the past eight years.

This sum is equal to the total amount spent for the purpose in the 110 years before 1990, and the beneficiary objects have an area of 500,000 sq meters, the China Press quoted Kong Fanzhi, director of the Beijing Cultural Relics Protection Bureau as saying.

The restoration program covered many world-renowned sites such as the reconstruction of Yongdingmen Gate; the repairing of the Tower of Buddhist Incense in the Summer Palace; the repainting of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven; the repairing of the Ming Tombs; and more than 140 imperial parks, religious buildings, residences of celebrities and city walls.

The most significant project to carry out the concept of the "People's Olympics" was initiated five years ago, when 600 million yuan was appropriated by the government and another five billion yuan was collected through the mobilization of social resources. As such, the basic structure of the historic and cultural city was reinforced, following the renovation of a series of important sites such as the Temple of Heaven; the Peking Man site at Zhoukoudian; the Ming Tombs; the Imperial Temple of emperors of Successive Dynasties; and the Confucius Temple.

One notable example is the restoration of Beijing's 7.8km central axis, which stretches from Yongdingmen Gate in the south and the Drum and Bell Towers in the north. Called "the spine of Beijing," the axis became a line without a southern end after the Yongdingmen Gate was torn down in 1957. However, the newly built gate on the original site rejuvenated the axis. The landmark gate shines in correspondence with the Olympic Green in the extended line of the axis' northern tip where many Olympic projects are located.

Several historic sites have been salvaged during the construction of Olympic venues, Kong said. The site of the National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center had to be relocated to yield to the centuries-old Niangniang Temple and the Dragon King's Temple. The temples were originally built for the worship of a Taoist fertility goddess and a dragon deity who controls rain and rivers, respectively.

To protect the historic sites from unnecessary interferences, more than 800 organizations and over 14,000 households were relocated to create favorable conditions for their restoration.

In addition, the city has paid attention to the protection of traditional residential places such as Hutongs (alleyways). Today 658 Hutongs are marked with protection signs.

Altogether, Beijing now owns a total of over 3,500 unmovable cultural relics, including six World Heritage sites. Ninety-eight of them are under state protection and another 224 are under municipal protection.

In June, two months ahead of the Olympics, the refurbishing of the most important cultural site on the central axis -- Taihe (Supreme Harmony) Hall of the Forbidden City -- will be complete, and the famous Qianmen Street will be unveiled as a booming commercial center.

Over 1,500 kinds of flowers selected for Olympic use

(BEIJING, Jan. 7) -- Every Olympic host city has put forth its best efforts to ensure a successful international competitive atmosphere, while at the same time, showcasing the best the city (and the country) has to offer. In this respect, the Olympic Games staged in Athens has best embodied this concept; from the "welcome home" slogan to the appearance of Athena and Zeus during the opening ceremony to the olive branches, bouquets, and crowns offered to Olympic champions…Grecian culture exuded in the background of the Olympic Games.

As the Beijing Olympics draw near, what kind of flowers will decorate Olympic athletes taking a stand on the winners' podium?

On December 1, 2007, the Beijing Olympic flower distribution center was completely set up. During the Games, bouquets will be arranged daily here, to be sent directly and immediately in an air-tight vehicle to the Olympic venue.

According to Zhao Dongming, director of the Cultural Activities Department of BOCOG, about 3,000 flowers will be given away during the Olympics and 4,000 during the Paralympics, all of which will undergo strict inspection standards set by the organization. In addition, award presentations for events taking place in Qingdao and Hong Kong, which also require gifts of flower bouquets, will follow the same strict standardization process.　The flower distribution program has already been set up, but has not yet been officially released to the public.

Three years in the making

It took roughly three years to get the Olympic flower distribution program to the point where it is now. Starting in 2005, the city hosted annual flower design competitions and staged two seminars related to Olympic flower arrangements. Experts flocked to the capital with innovative ideas to create unique floral designs for the Olympic Games.

According to reports, the main flowers to be used in the bouquets for award presentations have already been selected. The floral arrangements are to be characteristically Chinese, capable of being enjoyed by local and ordinary citizens, and in line with international etiquette standards. Roses and various peonies top the favorites list.

1,500 kinds of flowers

Fresh flowers are everywhere to be seen and smelled in the Fengtai Flower Distribution Center. Here, over 1,500 kinds of flowers have been carefully selected for use in the many display areas and during the various kinds of Olympic ceremonies. In August, these high-quality flowers will be sent safely and accurately to the various Olympic venues.

The Center covers 2,600 square meters, and is set up for research and development, processing, production, packaging, and distribution. Already, there is a link between the Center and other flower centers throughout the country, wherein flowers can be sent directly to the base to be prepared for Olympic presentation, after which an air-conditioned vehicle will transport the end products to the Olympic venues.

To date, the Center is equipped with six air-tight vehicles to meet requirements for the "Good Luck Beijing" series of sports events. For the Olympic Games in August, that number is expected to rise to 30.

After the Games, the Center will still serve floral fans, customizing arrangements to meet the needs of customers, offering top service to local residents.

Consolidated strength to make the Olympic and Paralympic Games a great success

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(BEIJING, January 3) -- The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) will pour the utmost passion and make the utmost effort to fully carry out the goal of staging high-level Olympic Games and Paralympic Games with distinguishing features, thus wrapping the mission to a successful end, as entrusted by the Chinese government and people, BOCOG President Liu Qi stressed.

Liu Qi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, made remarks at BOCOG's fifth plenary session here on Thursday -- just 218 days from the opening of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, and State Councilor and BOCOG First Vice-President Chen Zhili attended and delivered speeches at the staff meeting. Also present at the meeting were Liu Peng, Minister of the General Administration of Sport, President of the Chinese Olympic Committee and Executive President of BOCOG; and Guo Jinlong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, Acting Mayor of Beijing and Executive President of BOCOG.

Addressing the meeting, Liu pointed out that under the direct leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and with the solid support base of the Chinese people, BOCOG has had a successful six-year run and stepped into the spotlight of the Olympic year 2008. The plenary session was mainly intended to implement the central government's directives on the preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games, and in line with the requirements of the 17th CPC National Congress, further strengthen confidence, gather strength, define the tasks, and work hard to carry through the goal of hosting high-level Olympic Games and Paralympic Games with distinguishing features.


At the meeting, Liu summed up the Games preparations in 2007 and laid plans for the main tasks in 2008. He pointed out that 2007 was a crucial year in the course of the Games preparations. The 17th CPC National Congress recognized the Games preparation and organization as a task of the Party and the country and explicitly put forward the requirement of organizing the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games well. The directives and requirements from the CPC central committee and the State Council fully expressed the aspirations and determination of the party and the people, providing a fundamental guarantee and strong support for bringing together the strength of the party and the country for the success of the Games.

The main progress of the preparations in 2007 was revealed in the following three aspects:

1. Construction of the Olympic venues and facilities was sped up and the task as a whole completed. Rehearsals for the opening and closing ceremonies had fully begun. Preparation for the torch relay had basically come to an end, while large-scale events were held successfully. BOCOG had also further enhanced international communications and cooperation. Volunteer recruitment and training had advanced. Competition organization made smooth progress and the preparation for the Paralympic Games had been carried out simultaneously.

2. The organizations of this year's "Good Luck Beijing" sport events was accomplished. These pre-Games events put the venue facilities and technical systems to a test. Through the events, the venue operation teams were tempered, the competition command center established, and competition service system formed. The urban environment and transport system were also under a comprehensive test.

3. The urban operation was vigorously pushed forward to create more favorable conditions for the successful hosting of the Olympic Games.

All in all, BOCOG harvested five lessons from 2007: People-oriented principle must be carried out; coordination must be strengthened; promotional work must be initiated; risk awareness must be raised and response capacity improved; and details must be grasped.

Liu Qi pointed out that 2008 is an Olympic year for China and the world. BOCOG will fully carry out the spirit of the CPC 17th National Congress and the directives of the CPC Central Committee on the Olympic preparations, in an effort to get ready for the Olympics.

BOCOG will strive to continue to carry out the concepts of "Green Olympics," "High-tech Olympics," and the "People's Olympics"; widely communicate the concepts of Transcendence, Equality, Integration for the Paralympics; bring the initiatives of various circles into play and integrate the resources to stage a high-level Olympics and Paralympics with distinguishing features. In 2008, BOCOG will fulfill the Olympic preparations; set up a city operation, administration, service, logistics and emergency-response system; extend the achievements of the campaign to improve residents' etiquette levels; display the image of "New Beijing, Great Olympics"; enhance publicity for a positive opinion environment; showcase China's image as an open, democratic, civilized and harmonious country; strengthen Olympic security work to ensure a safe Olympics; boost international relations to win wide support from the international community and forge friendship and cooperation with other nations.

Liu Qi pointed out nine important tasks of the 2008 preparations:

1. Fully carry out the Olympic operational and organization work

2. Meticulously organize the opening and closing ceremonies as well as other major ceremonies and cultural activities

3. Increase international communications and put in place services related to various client groups

4. Increase Olympic publicity; improve media services; create a positive public opinion domestically and abroad

5. Completely carry out the various measures for Olympic safety and ensure the theme of a "Safe Olympics"

6. Improve city operations and fully expand the campaign "Welcome the Olympics, Improve Manners and Foster New Attitudes"

7. Boost the various aspects of preparatory work for a successful Paralympic Games

8. Give emphasis to increasing the formation of teams to carry out the preparatory work and intensify Olympic training to provide solid assurance for a successful Olympic Games

9. Follow through on a policy of frugality and integrity in organizing the Olympics and ensure that all work is transparent.

Liu Qi requested that the spirit of the CPC 17th National Congress, as well as vigor and enthusiasm, be exercised in carrying forward the Olympic preparations. Those involved in the preparatory work should fully understand the expedient effect that a successful Olympic Games would have in bringing about a well-off society and accordingly increase their sense of responsibility and awareness of time pressures. Leadership from the Communist Party of China will increase. In carrying out the Olympic preparations, the various resources available must be fully utilized and international cooperation must be increased in order to adhere to international practice and fulfill the promises made in the Olympic bid. Emphasizing "people-first," Olympic services must be guaranteed through careful attention to details and safety management.

Tang Jiaxuan speaks at the meeting.

Tang Jiaxuan emphasized that the member units of the coordination group for Olympic foreign affairs must take this year's foreign affairs work to be their most important tasks and pay attention to both details and the larger picture. In carrying out the foreign affairs work, the functions of a host country must be exercised, and, at the same time, there must be regard for international convention. The various work plans and contingency plans must be worked out in detail in order to ensure a "high-level Olympic Games with distinguishing features."

Chen Zhili speaks at the meeting.

In a summary speech, Chen Zhili emphasized that all those involved in the preparatory work for the Beijing Olympics must possess an extremely strong value of historic responsibility. They must continue to rally together and work hard in order to successfully deliver a "high-level Olympic Games with distinguishing features." She pointed out the following:

1. Full cooperation to completely push forward the organizing and preparatory work for the Olympic Torch Relay, the opening and closing ceremonies, and other projects.

2. Further raise the level of professionalism and internationalization; offer excellent media services and venue operations.

3. Carry out external Olympic publicity and improve the level of law enforcement;

4. Fully expand the campaign "Welcome the Olympics, Improve Manners and Foster New Attitudes"; ensure that the volunteer selection work and volunteer training work are carried out earnestly; promote the widespread practice of physical exercise across society

5. Follow through on offering excellent barrier-free services and building barrier-free facilities; emphasize humanism and ensure that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are "equally splendid."

Xiang Zhaolun, Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council, member of the leading group of the Beijing Olympic torch relay, and chief of the organizing committee for the torch relay on the mainland of China; Li Dongsheng, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Beijing Olympic Media and Communications Coordination Group; Wang Anshun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and first deputy head of the Beijing Olympic Security Coordination Group; as well as other officials delivered work reports at the meeting.