Enthusiastic Chinese fans enjoying the party atmosphere

There are no fans running through the streets naked, no death-defying stunts, no outlandish costumes in the spectator stands - but don't think for a moment that Chinese fans lack enthusiasm for the Beijing Olympics.

There was a carnival atmosphere during beach volleyball games, internet forums have run hot with praise for China's winners - and there has even been some showmanship.

Cheerful fans, mostly Chinese, took up about four-fifths of the 12,200 seats at the stadium in Chaoyang Park where the beach volleyball is staged. Directed by two commentators, they swayed, formed Mexican waves and stamped their feet to show their enthusiasm.

'Oh, it's like a party. I don't care who wins, I just enjoy the atmosphere,' said 24-year-old Liu Weiwei , wearing a plain white T-shirt with no indication of which team she supported.

Ms Liu had enjoyed two matches in two hours. One was the men's beach volleyball - the Netherlands vs Japan - and the other was the women's event featuring China against Germany.

'I got the ticket from a friend. I know nothing about beach volleyball,' she said in a voice hoarse from cheering. 'But I like seeing the bikini girls and I enjoy the interaction. The commentators are wonderful.'

For the events in which China has a long history or a record of success, fans have been more enthusiastic. If they do not express themselves freely in the stands, they do it by other means.