The Olympics were awarded to Beijing on July 13, 2001. They fairly easily beat other bidding cities: Toronto, Paris, Istanbul, and Osaka. Beijing narrowly lost voting to Sydney for the 2000 Summer Games.

The decision to host the games in Beijing has been a controversial one. China is ruled by the communist party since 1949. The government has strong controls over political, social and economic institutions. China has a poor human rights record, little concern for the environment and continues to have territory disputes with Tibet and Taiwan.

China is one of the world’s oldest civilizations and the largest populations in the world. Awarding the Olympics to China could have a positive influence in bringing change to the country and its people. Chinese people are very proud of their country, its history and its culture. Most people are supportive of the Olympic Games and see it as an opportunity to promote tourism and investment to the country.

The games will be held from August 8th to the 26th. The number “8″ is a lucky number in Chinese culture, so the opening ceremony will begin at 8:08 PM on August the 8th, 2008. Chinese are meticulous planners and the opening and closing ceremonies are destined to be the some the greatest spectacles the world has ever seen.

China’s rapid economic development in recent years has come at a cost to its environment. In Beijing citizens are trading in their bicycles for private cars, creating traffic gridlocks throughout the city. The worst factories around Beijing have been forced to either shutdown or relocate. Leading up to the games, plans are being put together to reduce the number of cars on the roads. The subway system is currently being expanded to help people to get around the city without relying on cars. Beijing’s summer heat is typically hot and humid, making it difficult for athletes in long distance and endurance events.

With all of the controversy, potential problems, expectations on China, the enthusiasm of the Chinese government and people the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games are likely to be one of the most interesting and spectacular events of recent times.