China’s biggest revelry in years would be celebrated largely at home. With guardians of Beijing Olympics frowning at big parties and any spontaneous gatherings of more than 40 people, there will be no whipped to frenzy crowds and not even rowdy bar bashes.
Hours before fireworks announce the beginning of the lavish opening ceremony at the National Stadium, this capital city of 17 million is quiet, orderly and streets have been swept of their usual hustle and bustle.
“The laotaitai (elderly ladies) from our neighbourhood committee came around to tell us it would be better to stay at home and watch the ceremony on TV,” said Wang Guohua who intended to go to Tiananmen square and mingle with other people on the opening night.
The extravaganza would be performed in front of 90,000 carefully screened spectators and 80 foreign leaders. Strict security measures requiring spectators to enter the stadium four hours ahead of the show have been put in place. But for those who had waited for months for the big jamboree, the tickets they held retained the allure of golden tickets to the fantasy world of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate factory.
“I have made a qipao (Chinese gown) especially for the occasion,” said Canadian expat Alyssa Morin. “I’m terribly excited about watching it on site and wish we could crack a bottle of champagne to celebrate.”
