They played poker, brushed up on their English and smoked cigarettes to pass the time until the 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity came along yesterday morning - purchasing a special 10-yuan banknote commemorating the Olympics.
Many of those lined up outside Beijing banks said China would likely host the Games only once during their lifetime, so it was worth the wait. Others said the limited print run of 6 million notes, featuring the 'Bird's Nest' stadium on one side rather than the late leader Mao Zedong , would make them a collector's item.
All the notes allotted to bank branches in Beijing sold out within 30 minutes of the doors opening at 8.30am. People started queuing as early as Monday night, after media reports said the notes would be available on Tuesday. It was later clarified that banks would only begin to issue the currency yesterday, and just one per customer on presentation of an identification card.
Despite the confusion and intermittent drizzle overnight, most were excited.
'This banknote is highly commemorative, and I really want to have it,' said Yang Zhenping , a 50-year public servant, who was third in line.
Mr Yang applied for the day off and headed to the Bank of China's headquarters, where at least 500 people, mostly elderly, had begun to line up by late evening on Monday.
Retiree Gao Jie said she wanted a banknote for her son, who was involved in printing them. 'Even though he was the one printing the notes, he didn't have a chance to get a one, so I am here to get one for him,' Ms Gao, 55, said.