It may still be 21 months away, but Beijing's preparations for the 2008 Olympics continue apace.

Posters advertising the Games are up around the Chinese capital.

Olympic mascots and other merchandise are already on sale.

Sporting activities for both young and old are being encouraged to enthuse the country ahead of the games.

Construction of the main Olympic stadium - dubbed the bird's nest - is well under way.

A recent China-Africa summit provided an ideal opportunity for the authorities to test-run possible traffic flow measures.

Security measures are being put in place. These plain clothes policemen pledge to crack down on crime in the capital.

Beijing is being modernised. These workers recycle steel from demolished buildings and alleyways in the city centre.

The Chinese authorities are promising an Olympic Games to remember.