The sell of Olympic tickets was suspended last night after overwhelming demand caused chaos during the day.
1.85 million tickets were available at 9am on Tuesday, through the booking website, a hotline and designated branches of the Bank of China.
But demand was much higher than organizers had anticipated. The website got 8 million hits in the first hour while the hotline received 3.8 million calls.
An official said Games organizers have decided to temporarily halt domestic ticket sales to improve the technical plan and will announce new ticketing information on November 5.
China: Coal cap
The area within Beijing's third ring road will become a coal-free zone before the Olympic Games. It's because of a clean-air scheme just received approval from the State Council.
Zhu Tong, who led the panel in drafting the capital's clean-air strategy, said Beijing will cap its coal consumption at 25 million tons by August.
Some heavy-polluting factories will either scale back their operations, or relocate during this period.
Myanmar: Drug warlord dies
Drug warlord Khun Sa, described as one the world's most wanted men, died in Myanmar yesterday at the age of 74.
Khun has lived in Myanmar since 1996, when he surrendered to the government who allowed him to run a string of businesses under the veil of secrecy.
US narcotics officials estimate he was responsible for at least half the heroin flowing out of the region and a reward of $2 million was offered for his arrest.
At the height of his powers in the 1980s, he led 20,000 men in the largest private army in what was still known as Burma.
His cause of death is not known, but Khun suffered from diabetes, partial paralysis and high blood pressure.
China: Controversy over nominations for Green Chinese awards
The inclusion of actress Gong Li on this year's shortlist for a "Green Chinese" award has sparked a mixed response.
Some people believe she deserves the nomination for her efforts in promoting environmental protection, while others condemn her for "talking about the environment while wearing fur".
Gong wore fur during a session of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in March, where she presented a proposal on environmental issues.
It has not been confirmed if the fur was real or fake.
The annual Green Chinese awards recognize five to ten Chinese who have made significant contributions to environmental protection.
Beijing: Potter goes Chinese
More than 3000 Potter fans gathered in Beijing to celebrate the Chinese release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
The event was held at Firework Square in Chaoyang Park on Saturday.
Christie Lee has more:
The event saw Harry Potter fans dress up like their favourite wizards and witches casting spells with their muggle friends.
Peoples Literature Press is the only legal publisher of the simplified Chinese edition of the series. One million copies of the much anticipated book were printed for the launch.
Despite Deathly Hallows being the conclusion of Harry’s adventures, Potter-mad fans say they feel no regret: "I think seven is a lucky number, I like it. So it's just right to end at the seventh volume."
Popular Chinese actress Yao Chen who hosted the launch is also a fan of the talented wizard and says losing Harry is a great loss to her romantic dreams: "As far as I concerned, Harry potter is my favourite role in the book. He is tough, and that's why i like him."
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released nationwide on Sunday. All legal copies of the book have a high-tech anti-piracy device. Harry’s final battle with Voldmort sells for 66 yuan.
（英語點津 Linda 編輯）
About the broadcaster:
Marc Checkley is a freelance journalist and media producer from Auckland, New Zealand. Marc has an eclectic career in the media/arts, most recently working as a radio journalist for NewstalkZB, New Zealand’s leading news radio network, as a feature writer for Travel Inc, New Nutrition Business (UK) and contributor for Mana Magazine and the Sunday Star Times. Marc is also a passionate arts educator and is involved in various media/theatre projects in his native New Zealand and Singapore where he is currently based. Marc joins the China Daily with support from the Asia New Zealand Foundation.
Bernice Chan is a foreign expert at China Daily Website. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Bernice has written for newspapers and magazines in Hong Kong and most recently worked as a broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, producing current affairs shows and documentaries.
