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Countdown to '08 Beijing Olympics
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When the curtain rises in August on the Olympics, the world will see why a country that once shunned the world has become a favorite among travelers, who have made it one of the most visited nations on Earth. In this yearlong series, we give you the keys to unlocking a China that embraces its future as it reveres its past.
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BEIJING
With the 2008 Summer Olympics looming, the host city has gone on a wild building spree. Prepare to be wowed by the world-class transformation.
2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES
All over the city there are interesting restaurants, serving dishes from China's many regions, the rest of Asia and the world.
Here's some advice on navigating the Beijing dining scene:
In this megalopolis, three neighborhoods stand out for their ambling potential: old-fashioned Dongcheng, contemporary Chaoyang and the lovely West End.
TRAVEL INSIDER
Be aware of China's healthcare challenges, including payment issues and possible counterfeit drugs. Trip insurance that includes health coverage might be a good idea.
2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES
The Commune by the Great Wall is communal living in a lush, historic setting complete with spa and other amenities.
Sports venues are being built or renovated. The CCTV Tower, museums and a theater have popped up as historic sites get a face-lift.
Set yourself on course for smooth sailing in the Chinese city with these pointers.
For two American kids, a typical day includes tai chi and learning how to bargain in Mandarin. The grounds? A high-rise.
GREAT WALL
UNLOCKING CHINA | COUNTDOWN TO THE 2008 OLYMPICS
Built to keep out the Mongols, it's now facing a new kind of invader: tourists. Visit a crowd-free stretch and behold the legendary barrier in its natural state.
2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES
THE BEST WAY TO THE GREAT WALL
2008 OLYMPICS
COUNTDOWN TO BEIJING
Some, like the Munich stadium, bear witness to tragedy while others usher in a new tradition, such as the first Olympic flame at Amsterdam's Marathon Tower.
What year and in what sport did these U.S. Olympic champions first make their mark in the Games? (Answers below.)
QINGDAO, CHINA
UNLOCKING CHINA | COUNTDOWN TO '08 OLYMPICS
The old colonial city by the Yellow Sea serves up beaches, beer, even a church or two. During this summer's Games, it'll also host sailing events.
MAO'S CHINA
From his humble birth to the Long March of the 1930s to the creation of a Communist society: Getting to know Chairman Mao.
CHINA'S LUXURY HOTELS
ASIA | CHINA
The hotels can be stunning, the service less so in a country learning what first-class is all about.
SILK ROAD
Marco Polo never had it like this. A motorcycle tour across his ancient route offers luxury hotels and stunning scenery. And there is plenty of adventure to go around.
Imagine a place where motorcycles outnumber everything else on the road 5 to 1 - a place where the bikes are small, the tank badges are in Mandarin and the seats are covered in tapestries. That place is China's Xinjiang province, where I spent eight days tooling around on two wheels. Here, from a rider's perspective, is what it was like and what you need to know.
LEARNING CHINESE
LANGUAGE LEARNING
If you're looking to learn a new language through immersion programs, check out these places.
LANGUAGE LEARNING
Mastery of Mandarin eludes her, but a writer studying in Beijing has a rich experience.
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