This is Beijing-Beijing English blog

The overwhelming majority of Beijingers are happy to host the Olympics and believe it will be successful, according to the latest survey.

More than nine in 10 polled said they think the summer Games will be successful and nearly 70 percent predicted the event will speed up Beijing’s development, help its image, or increase national coherence, the survey by Beijing Social Facts and Public Opinion Survey Center showed.

The center conducted two surveys in April and July respectively by calling 2003 citizens.

Most said they will stay in Beijing instead of traveling. Nearly 20 percent plan to watch matches in stadiums and nearly 80 percent preferred taking buses, metros or riding bicycles rather than driving during the event.

The city’s latest two-month vehicle control campaign that bans private cars on alternate days depending on their number plates, won overwhelming support as the surveyed said it improved air quality, eased traffic congestion and raise public awareness about environment protection.

Nearly two-thirds will enjoy a banquet at home or in restaurants or pubs with family members or friends if Chinese athletes win gold medals, while 12.4 percent will call China’s sports authorities or send text messages to celebrate good news.

Most of the findings corresponded to those released this week by U.S. Pew Research Center, which also said the majority of Chinese are happy with their nation’s direction and booming economy and praised the government for handling important social problems.

Tags: beijing, Olympic 2008

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