With only days before the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, how will Beijingers spend their time during the Games?
As Olympic tickets have proved to be hard to come by, many will have to stay at home to watch games on television. While others may prowl the city in search of the many parties being held in the capital. Some may want to escape the hubbub of the city by taking a vacation. Chinadaily.com.cn spoke to several Beijingers about their plans during August.
Breezy Zhang, 28, a Chinese employee with a tourism website in Beijing
Chinadaily.com.cn: What're your plans during the Games?
Breezy Zhang: To stay at home may be my way of life during the Olympics this month. I don't have tickets. And I' m also worried that there is going to be lots of people outside, including athletes, domestic and overseas tourists. It's better to stay at home and avoid the rush.
Instead of rushing to the venues with crowds, Zhang said she would "Jiayou"(cheer) for Olympic athletes in her livingroom.
"To watch the Games in person is impossible now, but cheering for the athletes in front of the TV is a good way to show suppport. Not everyone has the chance of feeling the excitement just on the site. "
Mr Li, 28, recruitment manager with Wan Da Group
Mr. Li, who is anticipating Liu Xiang's 110-meter hurdle race and diving the most, will also bask in the joy of watching his favorite games from the comforts of home.
Chinadaily.com.cn: Are you going to watch the games at the site?
Li: To be on the site or not is not important for me. To be a couch potato during this period is not a bad idea!. It could even be much clearer to watch than those big stars on TV, like Yao Ming and Liu Xiang than in a crowd of people.
Li thinks what he could do for the Olympics is to help ease transportation pressure by reducing his own travel.
Richard Yin, 27, executive at a foreign public relations firm in Beijing
Chinadaily.com.cn: Are you going to watch the Games?
Richard Yin: I have four tickets for the Games, two for Women's Basketball and two for Men's Volleyball.
"I will go out and ‘see people', including foreign spectators cheering for their country teams, overseas tourists and athletes from all participating countries. The Olympics is a cannot-miss opportunity to feel the "real excitement" across the city. I'm very excited.
Mr Yin is taking a week of leave during the Games so to soak in all the atomosphere.
"There must be lots of wonderful moments and people in funny dress-up clothes during the Games. I will record them with my newly-bought camera. It will be a great memory."
Yin said his new camera cost him more than 13,000 rmb. But "for the Olympics, it is worth to buy it," he said.
Yin, named diving as his favorite event, and says it's an exciting event in the Olympic calendar.
"Big meals will supplement my Olympic life. I'll treat myself with tasty food. For me, the Olympics is just like a festival."