China's Economy Won't Burn Out With the Torch

The upcoming 2008 Olympics is a source of pride for many of China's 1.3 billion people, a coming out party for the world's newest economic and political power. The government has made every effort to ensure that these are "the best games ever."

In August 2008, an estimated two million visitors and more than 20,000 foreign journalists will pour into Beijing. Anxious to make a good impression on the world, the government has carried out what may be the most ambitious urban makeover ever seen in modern times. The look of the city is being transformed by the day, with new roads, green areas, swirling flyovers, modern malls, and sleek high rise apartment buildings and office centers appearing throughout Beijing. Also welcome in an increasingly clogged city is a new and greatly expanded transport system.

China has invested some $40 billion in 14 new venues and another dozen or so upgrades -- more than twice as much as the $16 billion Greece paid to prepare Athens for the 2004 Summer Games. The total investment could climb much higher when other infrastructure projects are included.

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Experts say the scope and complexity of the Olympic projects are unprecedented. Beijing officials, aware that the international spotlight will be turned on the city as a result of the Games, chose the leading names in international architecture to give the city a modern look.

A consortium led by Swiss-based Herzog & de Meuron Architekten of Switzerland built the $500 million main arena for the Olympic Games, with a design that looks like a giant bird's nest. The National Stadium -- made of interlocking bands of gray steel covered with a transparent membrane and a retractable roof -- can accommodate 100,000 spectators and will host the opening and closing ceremonies.

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