Episode 1: Putting on the Show – The Ceremonies and The Volunteer Army

 

Chat with the creators of the opening and closing ceremonies:  China’s biggest show in the last 5000 years. Then, the search for a song of Olympic* proportion….And, find out why volunteering at the Olympics is like wining the lottery. Finally, a candid conversation with some typical college students who are eager to make history…

 

Episode 2: Building a Village for the World

 

A world-wide exclusive:  inside the world’s largest Bird’s Nest:  The National Stadium – the Summer Games’ main venue. Then, how a bubbly building is making a 100-year-old architectural theory, a reality.  And, progress on the National Indoor Stadium:  events here always sell out! Also, thousands of reporters will send home stories of hope, achievement, and heartbreak from here - the National Media Center. Finally, imagine national heroes from around the world rubbing elbows at this “work in progress” -- the Olympic Village.

 

Episode 3: Making a Buck – Business Opportunities

 

These mascots are not only “must have” Olympic items, they help pay for the Beijing games. And, even the most entrenched government agencies get a touch of Olympic fever – and if it leads to a small profit, where’s the bad? Then, how a printing company went all-out and won a publishing gig for the 2008 Games. And, how two international companies -- Lenovo and Atos Origin -- are seizing an Olympic-sized opportunity to improve their balance sheets. Finally, Olympic-driven tourist demand is challenging the travel industry in China like nothing they’ve ever faced before.

 

Episode 4: Exercise Your Appetite – Chinese Food

 

See how Beijing is preparing for the additional 1.5 million mouths it has to feed during the 2008 Olympics. And how the city hopes to make a food festival out of the Olympic Games. Then, these restaurants are cooking up Chinese cuisine that may surprise you!  Find specialties that speak to your taste buds…just in time for a trip to the Olympics.

 

Episode 5: Curing Homesickness – Some Things Are The Same All Over

 

Your Olympic homesickness cure might begin at a café…and with its emphasis on American comfort food, this one could be called the Homesickness Hospital. Then, a visit to Beijing’s Athena restaurant, and cuisine from the very first Olympic country: Greece. And, this Brazilian chef’s advice about Chinese cuisine may surprise you… Also, the solution for a homesick sweet tooth… Plus, if nothing does it for you like Western food…there are signs that you can get your fast-food fix in Beijing.  Finally, these Western exchange students share their insights into Chinese culture and tips for surviving your trip to the Olympics.

 

Episode 6: Having a Blast – Daytime Fun

 

Even the most avid sports fan shouldn’t miss a visit to Forbidden City - the world’s largest palace complex. Then, step back 2,000 years in history...and step up onto the Great Wall of China. And, why should Olympians get all the exercise?  Ride a bike through historic neighborhoods, called Hutongs.  Also, Panjiauan -- the largest flea market in China…with the crafts of 56 Chinese ethnic groups. Finally, visit this abandoned factory and see the edgiest, most avant-garde art in Beijing.

                

Episode 7:  Having a Blast – Beijing by Night

 

Sample Chinese delicacies at this 400-foot long buffet… Then, chill at The World of Suzie Wong or Buffalo Club.  You could also unwind with some classical music…Finally, nighttime fun at Lao She teahouse - where Peking opera and Kung Fu share the same stage. 

 

Episode 8:  Shopping as Sport

 

See why Beijing’s Old Pipe Street attracts non-smokers from all over the world. Then, take a step back in time on Liulichang street, where art’s been sold for hundreds of years. And, sharpen your  bargaining skills at Yashou, where you can score a big load of goodies even if your budget is tiny. Finally, high fashion shopping. The gold that’s flashed here is not Olympic – it’s plastic.

 

Episode 9: Getting Around – Public Transportation

 

Beijingers with plates ending in odd numbers can only drive on certain days of the 2008 Summer Games.  Find out why… Then, in a hurry?  During the Olympics, and peak traffic times, the only fast, reliable way to get around Beijing is the subway. Plus, taxi drivers in Beijing are required to study English…it’s all part of being ready for their Olympic guests. And, if you really want to understand China, forget the cab ride and take a city bus.

 

Episode 10: Breathing Easier – Controlling Pollution

 

The Olympic calls for clean air and blue skies in Beijing – one of the world’s most polluted cities. See how China’s best scientific minds are meeting that challenge. And, dread taking out the garbage?  Well, imagine having to deal with 16,000 tons of it…daily.  With an influx of 1.5 million Olympic visitors…who takes the trash out? And what they do with it? Then, how many green parks will it take for Beijing to breathe easy again?

 

Episode 11: Staying Healthy – Sports Medicine

 

No pain, no gain… at least not with physical therapist Dr. Bob Chan. And, doctors at 3rd Peking Hospital are routing for their patients… not just to recover, but to win Olympic gold. Then, remember China’s SARS outbreak? Can Beijing’s CDC guarantee it won’t happen again? Next,  9-1-1 won’t work in China… but, dialing 120 will – even if you don’t speak Chinese. Finally, foot massage anyone? Find out how to get rid of that throbbing headache… with your foot.

 

Episode 12: Putting the Best Foot Forward

 

Olympic spirit is school spirit at this grade-school.  This elaborate celebration ends with a surprise visit from a Gold Medal Winner.  Then, preparations continue as these folks learn how to welcome their Olympic guests in English.  From age 6 to 86…they’re learning to say: “It’s nice to meet  you.” Next, if you’ve got deep pockets, luxury hotels are finding creative ways to pamper you. Or, turn down one of Beijing’s oldest alleyways and spend the night in a 19th Century Chinese General’s quarters. Finally, how the Summer games offer foreign exchange students the chance to demonstrate their hometown pride, even when they’re far from home.

 

Episode 13: Going for the Gold – Chinese Athletes in Training

 

An exclusive look at how the Chinese National Gymnastics Team prepares for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. And, Personal stories of two world champions:  their talent, drive, and the pressure they and their families will face when they compete before millions of fellow Chinese. Then, Chinese Wushu, or Kung Fu as it’s known in the U. S., is waging its toughest battle:  the battle to become an Olympic sport. Finally, how a pentathlon world champion multitasks for a medal at the Beijing Games, the first Olympics ever held on Chinese soil.