With less than a month to go before the Olympic Games, Beijing is making its final preparations ahead of the big event.
Photo taken on July 7, 2008 shows a blossom red lotus at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, capital of China. The city of Beijing hails the one-month countdown to the Beijing Olympics.
Workers are setting up a garden in the heart of the city - the iconic Tiananmen square. Their presence reminds people that the Olympics are not far away. The striking Olympic signs and logos on the city's roads, buildings, and public facilities have the same effect.
The anticipation can be sensed by the new public security limits. In the lead-up to the big event, a slate of security measures have been put in place to prevent crimes and terrorist attacks.
Do Heyi, staff of Daxing Public Security Bureau of Beijing said "We have set up check-point centers at highway entrances. Dangerous items like knives and explosives are our major targets. We will also check each passenger and driver's ID card to ensure security at the Olympics."
Around the major Olympic venues, surface-to-air missiles have been set up to prevent air strikes. And at public transport stations, bag checks are now routine.
As organizers make their last preparations for the event, local residents are also getting ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors.
In the capital, volunteers are handing out information booklets, as well as providing translation and emergency services.
Shi Naqi, one volunteer said "I can't say that I will be much help, but I will try my best. If it is beyond my ability, I will ask others for help."
And many residents have showed their support of the traffic restrictions, where even and odd numbered cars have to alternate on the roads each day during the Olympic period, despite the inconvenience.
One Beijing resident said "We have two cars and both will be restricted. It is inconvenient, but for the Olympics, we can make some sacrifices."
Beijing expects to play host to nearly 500,000 overseas visitors and millions of domestic tourists during the Games. On August 8th, its seven years of preparation will be put to the test by the whole world.
(CCTV July 10, 2008)