Beijing Prepares for the Olympics Part 1
China is sparing no expense in preparing Beijing for the Olympic spotlight—including providing English classes for cab drivers and a government-sponsored etiquette campaign.
ere's a look at some of the venues and preparations under way in Beijing for this summer's Olympics.
The Games: The Beijing Olympics begin Aug. 8, 2008.
People: Organizers expect 550,000 foreign visitors and 22,000 journalists, with 550,000 local volunteers lined up to help—one for every guest.
Infrastructure: Beijing is spending $40 billion to remake its subways, roads and image. The hubbub is driving up hotel prices.
Etiquette: Government-sponsored etiquette campaigns are working to stamp out bad manners like jumping ahead in line, spitting, littering and reckless driving.
English: Cab drivers are under pressure to learn some English. A program called "Crazy English" draws 10,000 volunteers to gung-ho assemblies. Officials are trying to wipe out "Chinglish," the unintelligible English that abounds on billboards, menus and storefronts.
ere's a look at some of the venues and preparations under way in Beijing for this summer's Olympics.
The Games: The Beijing Olympics begin Aug. 8, 2008.
People: Organizers expect 550,000 foreign visitors and 22,000 journalists, with 550,000 local volunteers lined up to help—one for every guest.
Infrastructure: Beijing is spending $40 billion to remake its subways, roads and image. The hubbub is driving up hotel prices.
Etiquette: Government-sponsored etiquette campaigns are working to stamp out bad manners like jumping ahead in line, spitting, littering and reckless driving.
English: Cab drivers are under pressure to learn some English. A program called "Crazy English" draws 10,000 volunteers to gung-ho assemblies. Officials are trying to wipe out "Chinglish," the unintelligible English that abounds on billboards, menus and storefronts.
