The Chinese capital of Beijing won the right to host the Games of the XXIX Olympiad over Istanbul (TUR), Osaka (JPN), Paris (FRA) and Toronto (CAN) back in 2001 .
The concept and design of the bid was centred on the "Olympic Green" area to the north of the city centre. The site contains the Olympic Village and venues for 15 sports, including the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre.
Some 56% of athletes will compete in the 10 venues of the "Olympic Green". The other venues are located within 36km of the Olympic Village with the exception of equestrian, football and sailing.
Sailing will be held in Qingdao City (on the east coast 690km from Beijing) and football will be held in Beijing (three stadiums) and four other cities (Shanghai, Shenyang, Qinhuangdao and Tianjin) across China. The equestrian competition will take place in Hong Kong.
As was the case at Athens 2004 there are 28 sports on the program. BMX (Bicycle Moto Cross) has been added as a new Olympic discipline. Event changes that have the greatest impact on Australian athletes are the removal of track cycling individual time trials and the addition of the 10km open water swim for men and women.
Baseball and softball were voted off the Olympic program for London 2012 so Beijing could be the last Olympic appearance for these sports..
There has been 43 test Events across all sports, 12 new venues built, 11 existing venues renovated and eight temporary structures put in place. Much of teh city has been transformed to ensure the Games are a success for the athletes. spectators and media.
SNAP SHOT:
Opening Ceremony: 8pm, 8 August
Closing Ceremony: 24 August
Sports/Events: 28 / 302
Athletes: 10,708
Volunteers: 70,000
Media: 20,000
Beijing Comp Venues: 31
Outside Comp Venues: 6
Logo: 'Dancing Beijing' is a Chinese seal
Slogan: 'One World One Dream'
Mascots: Beibei (blue Fish), Jingjing (black Panda), Huanhuan (red Flame), Yingying (yellow Antelope) and Nini (green Swallo). Their five names together - Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni - say "Welcome to Beijing".