Just hours before the opening of the Olympics, athletes, distinguished guests and overseas spectators from all over the world have gathered in China's capital city for this important event.
Our reporter Wang Lei takes a closer look.

Reporter:

On Thursday Morning, Olympic delegations representing South Africa, Norway and other countries held a joint flag-raising ceremony in the Olympic village.

Chen Jian, who presided over the ceremony, said organizers will do their utmost to ensure good services.

"We will do our best to ensure that you will eat well, live well and rest well in order to perform at your best in seeking to accomplish outstanding results. We believe that this event will build a bridge of understanding and friendship among people of all countries and regions."

So far, delegations to the Olympics from nearly 200 countries and regions have checked in to the Olympic village.

According to the regulations of the International Olympic Committee, all delegates should finish their flag-raising ceremonies one day ahead of the Games opening.

After Thursday's ceremony, Tubby Reddy, deputy head of South Africa Olympic delegation, told CRI that he is full of excitement about the Beijing Olympics and the anticipated performance of his team.

"This is my fourth one. So far, this is probably the best I've seen. We hope that we will do well and win some medals in swimming, athletics and possibly rowing and canoeing."

On the same day, Beijing International Airport has received distinguished guests from around the world. Among them there are U.S. president George W. Bush and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

On Friday evening distinguished guests from over 80 countries will attend the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

With colorful flags announcing "One world, One dream", Beijing has been in a festive mood. The atmosphere has drawn the attention of large numbers of foreign tourists.

Hen Bronkhorst, a tourist from The Netherlands, expressed his views.

"Splendid. It's also beautiful. I'm excited. I've been working with our national Olympic committee for five years. Now I'm working with the working association. And it's really nice to be here. I'm very excited to go and see the football game and then the opening ceremony."

According to the Beijing municipal bureau of tourism, six to seven million athletes, spectators and reporters have gathered in Beijing and other co-host cities.

Wang Lei, CRI News.