A Chinese expat in Russia who dreamt of returning to China alone on horseback, Li Jing set off on 21 August 2007, giving himself a year to get to the 2008 Olympic Games. He didn't arrive until last Sunday however, with hopes of reaching the event long gone. Read more and see the photos of his trail.

One of Beijing's most photogenic buildings went up in flames on Monday night. According to Chinese news agency Xinhua, the blaze was started by a firework let off in the adjacent building - Chinese TV station CCTV. Watch the incredible amateur video...

"Olympic athletes are our country's ambassadors", said Gianni Petrucci, president of the Italian Olympic Committee (Coni). "It would be normal they receive a special attention," he concluded. Petrucci was pointing to the taxes medal winners have to pay; a levy he wishes to lift. Read more...

For most inhabitants of Beijing, the long-awaited Olympics are a unique opportunity for rejoicing and pride. Yet for the city's numerous illegal workers, the Games are tantamount to a threat of expulsion. Read more...

US photoblogger Kevin German took pictures of a gymnasium in Beijing just before the start of a weightlifting contest. He noticed that most seats were empty... until the arrival of professional supporters. Read more...

He was supposed to be a national hero, the biggest star of the Olympics. Liu Xiang, gold-winning hurdler in Athens, dreamed of a second Olympic triumph in his own country. But the dream was shattered as the Chinese sprinter failed to take part in the race against his great rival, Cuba's Dayron Robles. Read more.

Usain Bolt crossed the finish line easily and turned to the crowd, savouring his victory. Formerly a 200-metre specialist, Jamaica's Bolt won the Olympic Games men's 100-metre gold medal, crushing everything in his way. Read more.

A bluescreen appears on the roof of the stadium.

Everyone agreed that the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games last Friday was a great success. Web users, however, couldn't resist amusing themselves by pointing out minor faults... and white lies on the organisers' part. Read more...

After fighting off lengthy and widespread opposition in the run up to the event, the Beijing Olympics took to the starting line on Wednesday night. An Observers in Tianjin, where one such event is being held, described the atmosphere in the city. Read more...

The organisers of the Beijing Olympics are furious after a South Korean TV channel broadcast excerpts of a rehearsal of the Games' opening ceremony. The video then found its way onto the Internet and became a huge hit, worsening the situation. Read more...