This series (3 x 60 minute stand-alone documentaries and 1 x 120 minute Special) aims to capture the spirit of innovation, endeavour and commitment currently galvanizing the population of China.

The series will celebrate and investigate the many firsts -- in science, engineering and technology -- for what promises to be the most exciting Games yet.

It will provide a worldwide audience with an essential behind-the-scenes guide to what's special about these, the very first Chinese Olympic Games; and through the prism of the Games viewers will come to a better understanding of China in the 21st century.

We will be drawing a portrait of a city -- and a nation -- undergoing one extreme makeover in three key areas. Each would be the subject of a one-hour documentary:

•     the athletes
•     the city
•     the technology

The two-hour special will build on our earlier programmes, picking up on our characters to update their stories as 8.8.08 comes closer; we will also capture the astonishing activity and the spirit of the people of Beijing as they prepare for the Games themselves.