"It's an unfortunate effect worldwide - the allusion is white skin equals easy dollars." hey remove you blinkers and dump the south african white superiority mentality.tourists the world over are potential business.....blue,green or purple!

Why do we expect EVERYONE in the entire world to speak English (when in fact we English-speakers are hopelessly outnumbered on this planet, even though it is a common business language to use). That's like expecting a Chinese visitor to Joburg to jump in the nearest cab and say (in Chinese) "take me to Gold Reef City". Do you think that you would understand what he's saying ? I think not.

I just came back from nine days in China, with visits to Beijing and Xi'an. I'm actually surprised that the writer struggled so much with English. In the touristy areas of Beijing I found that many people could speak basic English. The large restaurants usually had someone who could take my order in English. There were plenty of English-speaking Olympic volunteers on the streets, at the airport and at subway stations. Often I would try my shoddy Chinese only to get a reply in English. I think Beijing has done a great job of making the city more tourist-friendly, considering how few people in China speak English. It's definitely far better than when I last visited in 2005. The subway has been extended, and it is very easy to get from the airport to the city using the brand new airport express subway line.

Traffic is a problem, and I have to admit that I didn't come across any taxi drivers that could speak English, but that was easily overcome by showing them a map indicating my destination in Chinese characters. But the traffic can easily be avoided by using the subway system, which goes to most of the tourist spots, as well as the major Olympic venues. And at 2 yuan a trip (about R2), it's cheap!

Having had the pleasure to visit Beijing a year ago I experienced the city in the middle of all the preparations for the Olympics and being an Olympic addict are very interested in the transformation to make Beijing tourist friendly. After I left I felt that the language barrier will not be easily addressed, the older people spitting in the streets not easily converted and the terrible smells fuming out of the streets to be there forever. I hope it is much better now. Don't know if I will go back there soon.

As somebody who did not have an incling to visit the east, I was forced to a month ago on business. What an amazing surprise. I LOVED Beijing. the streets are without a piece of paper. The gardens manucured and the service, friendliness of the people unsurpassed. We found most people to be able to speak Chinglish (and lets be honest, their english is better than our Chinese). All tour guides are fluent in English with a western sense of humour as well. I agree that South Africans will be severly impressed with the visit and it is a MUST to eat real chinese. It is an experience, rather than a meal.

I agree also that the writer of the article could have done a bit more research on the structures as it is a beautiful building with some incredible engineering feats.

I for one cannot wait for the opening ceremony, I KNOW it will be spectacular. I can also not wait to go back.

I loved China, I travelled to the port-city of Qingdao, Qinghuangdao and Beijing. I was there primarily to check out their Olympic infrastructure and capacity to accommodate the expected over a million visitors for the Games. I found Chinese people to be humble, incredibly friendly, passionate about their country, genuinely interested in foreigners and their prospective countries, and more than willing to help in any way possible.

I felt safe...and I mean safer than a cow in a vegan restaurant. Not once did I feel the need to look over my shoulder or hold on to my bag tighter. One thing the Chinese have done right is 'visible policing'. There is a policeman on almost every single street corner standing on a raised block so that he is clearly visible - not smiling of course but that only adds to his look that he means business and is there to keep order.

While I agree English is not a popular langauge amongst the locals, they are trying their best and yes, when I spoke to the Olympic Committee they told me taxi drivers are all undergoing some form of English training ahead of the Olympics.

Whether they're learning Engrish or English is up for debate...Foreigners (or south Africans anyway) are going to love China. Good beer that comes in a standard 600ml bottle, cheap ciggy's and a sporting atmosphere only rivalled by a Bulls Vs Sharks final at Loftus. - Michael Appel

What a great City, Of course No one cares if you are one of the few western Faces around, Beijing folk are used to thousands of buisness folk around, all year long, we just not there at the moment to avoid the hussle and bussle,

I was there last week the city s looking fantastic, If you want to go shopping, avoid the Mainstream malls and Head For the Yashow 5 story Market, in the Workers stadium district, next to the new Adidas crushed can building, Get all your Hi fashion Jeans etc for under RMB 100

If you feel like been stared at go to one of China's rural Citys,

Enjoy the Olympics, and if you want to watch the Rugby the weekend Head to the DEN great vibe, great Pizza, Opposite YASHOW market

Emma should do more research for her next article.
The entwined and visible outer-structure is in fact made of huge twisted steel components. the seating structure of the stadium (not visible from the outside, is in fact built with concrete & steel.
Subocaj