Many visitors to the Chinese capital - who often find themselves stranded in the daily traffic gridlock and choked by toxic smog - must ask themselves what it will be like in August 2008 when millions of officials, athletes and tourists from around the world congregate for the Beijing Olympics.
Beijing's pollution and traffic congestion can only get worse in the coming years.
The city's roads are already clogged with 2.6 million cars, with 1,000 more new vehicles hitting the roads every day. By 2008, the number of cars is expected to reach 3.5 million.
Exhaust fumes now account for more than 30 per cent of Beijing's air pollution and contribute heavily to the smog, which has become part of the city's landscape. Each year children and the elderly are advised to stay indoors on more than 120 days because they are susceptible to respiratory diseases caused by pollution.
But visitors need not worry. Judging from recent state media reports, mainland officials are furiously working on detailed plans to transform Beijing into a city of blue skies, fresh air and smooth traffic for the Olympic month of August.
Sceptics should take a look at the following measures mainland officials are contemplating.