At 10:00pm(Beijing Time), June 13,2001, the whole world was watching as the 112th Session of the International Olympic Committee, meeting in Moscow, prepared to anounce the host city of the 2008 Olympics. Finally, the firm voice of IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch rang out with the name...BEIJING! Beijing, China, with its superior urban conditions and flawless presentation, had brilliantly outshone the other four candidate dities and won the right to host the 2008 Olympics.

As the most populous country in the world, China's successful Olympic Bid will not only provide unparalleled opportunities for the Chinese People, but also a wonderful chance for the world to experience the vital spirit of this ancient country.

The city of Beijing has pledged to pour huge sums into preparing for the 2008 Olympics over the next six years. Total investment is expected to reach 300 billion RMB yuan (approximately US $36.3 billion).

See you in Beijing in 2008!