Nation on edge of seat for Beijing Olympics

A survey released yesterday revealed the intense anticipation held nationwide for the Beijing Olympics, with about three-quarters of respondents expressing their overwhelming excitement 150 days out from the opening ceremony.

The survey, conducted among 2,700 Chinese in 20 provinces and four major cities including Beijing, found 79 percent of residents in the capital were looking forward to the arrival of 16,000 athletes and coaches as well as some 30,000 journalists and dignitaries for the Aug 8-24 event.

More than 100 world leaders have expressed an interest in visiting Beijing in August, said Wu Dawei, vice-foreign minister.