11. Torch relay the longest, highest

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay was scheduled to travel the longest distance and include the largest number of people over 130 days.

It reached the highest peak of Mount Qomolangma on May 8. Following the Sichuan earthquake, the torch relay route was curtailed in each city and special mourning sessions were added.

The leg in earthquake-hit Sichuan province has been rescheduled to August, just before the Games begins.

 

12. English, English

A 170-page Chinese Menu in English Version is seen as exemplary of one success of the English-speaking campaign throughout the city.

Pop stars teaching audiences correct English pronunciation and cab drivers toting language books all are part of Beijing's multilingual pre-Olympic effort.

"It's not just about the language, it's about how open and confident we are," said Li Yang, founder of Crazy English.