Long time ago Napoleon Bonaparte warned the world that China was a 'Sleeping Giant' and when the moment arrived, the world would be astonished!!! The hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is the perfect opportunity to prove Napoleon's prophecy.
A few interesting facts:
  1. The Opening ceremony will begin at 8pm on August 8, 2008- eight is considered to be auspicious. The closing will be on August 24, at 8pm.
  2. China spent $400 billion to give Beijing a new look. The message: we are a superpower.
  3. Some 5 lakh foreign visitors expected in Beijing. The Games will be seen in TV by 4 billion.
  4. More than 80 heads of state, 10,000 athletes are expected in Beijing.
  5. Apart from security to prevent problems, meteorologists will help chase away clouds and prevent troubles caused by rain.
  6. 1.5 million people were evicted to construct 31 venues for the Games.
  7. City's old tumbledown charm has been replaced by designer versions of the traditional architecture.