China Arts Contemporary
I'm from China Arts Contemporary. We know that a lot of new technologies had been applied in the Olympic Games. Is it going to shape or change your design in the future? The year 2008 is a very important year. Are you going to have some exhibition displays in China? After the Games, there will be a review exhibition. What is your own comments of your own performances in 2008?
Cai Guoqiang
I'm 50 years old this year. I've done something different. It's been the summary of my experience in the past and I want to leave something for the future. It is a very special year for me. I left China in 1986. I went to the United States. I spent a lot of time overseas. I really feel honored to be back in China and be a real part of the Beijing Olympic Games preparation. It is a very good opportunity for me to team up with other artists from different countries. It is a very important experience for me as well. For the technologies used, we enjoyed the support from the central government and from the expertise from different areas. We devoted a lot of efforts. Thanks to the joint efforts from different parties. We will be more event-specific. Artistically, it was all based on my past experience.
CBS
Because you have been living in the US for a certain period of time, you may be familiar with their ways to create special effects. China is the birthplace of gunpowder. How can you produce the spectacular effect for Chinese audience?
Cai Guoqiang
American fireworks and the demand of the spectators are solid colors like gold, silver and long lasting like thunderstorm effects. They want 5,000 shells and very sensational. China has its own characteristic. They want it to be colorful. It is more of a melancholy kind of feeling and very folk-art oriented, which is different from the special effects and demands of the U.S. The opening and the closing ceremonies for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be different from each other. But we want to be original, creative, colorful and vibrant. What I mean is Opening Ceremony probably is more thematic, theme oriented and will going to be dazzling.
Associated Press Television
I have two questions. One is about the fireworks and the security. How close will the normal spectators be able to get in order to see the fireworks at the area of Bird's Nest and the Olympic Green? My second question is: what happens if it rains?
Deng Shaohui
Thank you for the question and for your attention on the fireworks. I should say that in the neighboring area of the Bird's Nest, the maximum height will be 100-120 meters above the sky, and some of the special fireworks actually measured up to 500 meters. What do you mean by the distance for safety? Do you mean safe for the spectators inside the venue or the visitors or local residents? Outside the radius of 80 meters to 100 meters, it should be safe.
Associated Press Television
How close can the local residents get close to the Bird's Nest because they are going to close all the roads? Where can we find a good spot to watch the fireworks?
Deng Shaohui
We have controlling areas around the Olympic Green. 100 meters away from the Olympic Green will be a good spot for you to watch. But we do have a lot of buildings surround the area. The security parameter is within the radius of 100 meters.
Cai Guoqiang
I can follow up the question raised by the journalists of AP. He doesn't seem so happy with our answer. Actually, the height is not necessarily the best of the security people's concern. Because sometimes, if it is higher, it is probably safer. 100 or 200 meters above, for some people in a distance, they actually feel like it is right above their heads. We have technical parameters. For example in Shichahai, it is very crowded and so it is pretty low. But in parks and other parks and Tian'anmen Square, so we can shoot up higher to the sky. People don't have to go close to the sites to see the fireworks.
Chengdu Business Daily
Have you considered any incidence, for example, what if there is dumb scroll or what if it rains?
Deng Shaohui
2% dumb scroll is allowed according to the Chinese standard firework display. Because fireworks are all manually made, so with the case in the worst, it is very challenging for us to ensure the quality. Of July 16 for the rehearsal of the fireworks, in the dragon-shaped landscape water system, we shot up about 10,000 shells, and less than 1% was dumb.
What about rains, if it is only drizzle, it is ok. But if it is shower, it would affect our firework. In our contingency plan, we take that into consideration. If it is continuing shower, we probably have to cancel the firework display.
Wen Wei Po
First question. Mr. Wang, you said the total budget is really low. But how exactly low? Can you give the figure? And my second question, on July 16, I saw the fireworks, I saw some long lasting affects like the white smoke. How are we going to avoid that from happening? Also, I understand that there was a fire incident. So other than the clothing, the fireproof clothing, I understand you also have to make some adjustment to the science. What about the safety of the workers? And also another question, there is a hat-like thing in the Bird's Nest. Is that something related to the fireworks?
Wang Ning
I am sure you are very concerned about the budget. I said it is low but I have some comparison. I was comparing it to other similar events. Relatively speaking, it is low. The operation center is responsible for the four ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the production and the operation, everything. The cost of the ceremony is not out yet. But what I can tell you we are costing absolutely low compared to other events like this.
Deng Shaohui
The smoke and dust during the rehearsal of July 16, in terms of the standards, what we were trying to achieve is to minimize smokes. And after all, it is gun powder.
As for the second question, fire incidence? Are you talking about on July 16? We didn't have any fire incident at the above the Bird's Nest?
Due to the membrane structure of the Bird's Nest, to ensure the safety, we did two experimental or rehearsal of fireworks. The first time, because we did some rush preparation, probably 5 to 6 days, so we actually use substitute devices for ignition. We didn't use the designated fireworks for the opening ceremonies because we just decided the suppliers of the fireworks. And we are just testing the impact on the main structure. So we just use some substitute fireworks, some parts were melted on the membrane structure. We use the designated devices for ignition and fireworks products one month later. One ten of fireworks was used compared to the actual consumption and affecting tense of the area, no impact.
On July 16, it was exactly the same scale and amount of fireworks used compared to the opening ceremony. On the Bird's Nest, there is no impact on the membrane structure. Not the holes. So two different things and hat-shaped structure has nothing to do with the fireworks.
Hong Kong Commercial Daily
Any Hong Kong specialists or experts involved in the fireworks plan? Because Hong Kong has some display for fireworks and Hong Kong is also a co-host city. Any graphics of equestrian?
Cai Guoqiang
Unfortunately, no graphics of equestrian. Maybe we can create equestrian graphics in the sky in Hong Kong so that Hong Kong and Beijing can echo each other. Very good idea. Specialists and experts in Hong Kong are not involved. Our team mainly is composed of people from mainland China, from Jiangxi manufactures and Hubei.
AP
In terms of all the potentially exclusive fireworks we are going to have for the opening ceremony, what specific security measures are you taking in terms of protecting the fireworks in all the different areas?
Deng Shaohui
I will take this question. For the safety of the fireworks, it is not only for the on site stadium. Our efforts, generally speaking, from the very beginning, including the production and delivery and final installation, we have all the safety measures in place. The on site safety, firstly, depending on the quality of the product, therefore, the Beijing municipal quality supervision authorities have developed a special regulation and standards, which is higher for the firework products. For example, the dumb shell rate, according to national it is 2%. However, for Olympics, it is much lower. So we can ensure the safety of the firework display. For the release safety and security, it is to do with the equipment and facilities.
On top of the Bird's Nest, we have very special design. As you know, it is steel structure on the top of the Bird's Nest. Normally, we have developed special gadget to secure the release equipment with the top of the Bird's Nest to ensure safety and security. The utilization of the special gadget will ensure there will be no damage for the membrane structure. For the ground level, the dragon-shaped landscape water system, along Hujing East Road, we have the firework site in place. During the installation of the testing stage, the security authorities developed very practical measures for the whole installation, it was conducted and supervised by the quality control authorities of the city to ensure the equipment will be 100 % safe for operation.
Sun WeideThank you for all the three guests. I will keep notice. At 11 o'clock of July 25, still in this press conference hall we are going to have a conference on the opening of the Olympic Village. Your present will be welcome. Thank you!
I'm from China Arts Contemporary. We know that a lot of new technologies had been applied in the Olympic Games. Is it going to shape or change your design in the future? The year 2008 is a very important year. Are you going to have some exhibition displays in China? After the Games, there will be a review exhibition. What is your own comments of your own performances in 2008?
Cai Guoqiang
I'm 50 years old this year. I've done something different. It's been the summary of my experience in the past and I want to leave something for the future. It is a very special year for me. I left China in 1986. I went to the United States. I spent a lot of time overseas. I really feel honored to be back in China and be a real part of the Beijing Olympic Games preparation. It is a very good opportunity for me to team up with other artists from different countries. It is a very important experience for me as well. For the technologies used, we enjoyed the support from the central government and from the expertise from different areas. We devoted a lot of efforts. Thanks to the joint efforts from different parties. We will be more event-specific. Artistically, it was all based on my past experience.
CBS
Because you have been living in the US for a certain period of time, you may be familiar with their ways to create special effects. China is the birthplace of gunpowder. How can you produce the spectacular effect for Chinese audience?
Cai Guoqiang
American fireworks and the demand of the spectators are solid colors like gold, silver and long lasting like thunderstorm effects. They want 5,000 shells and very sensational. China has its own characteristic. They want it to be colorful. It is more of a melancholy kind of feeling and very folk-art oriented, which is different from the special effects and demands of the U.S. The opening and the closing ceremonies for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be different from each other. But we want to be original, creative, colorful and vibrant. What I mean is Opening Ceremony probably is more thematic, theme oriented and will going to be dazzling.
Associated Press Television
I have two questions. One is about the fireworks and the security. How close will the normal spectators be able to get in order to see the fireworks at the area of Bird's Nest and the Olympic Green? My second question is: what happens if it rains?
Deng Shaohui
Thank you for the question and for your attention on the fireworks. I should say that in the neighboring area of the Bird's Nest, the maximum height will be 100-120 meters above the sky, and some of the special fireworks actually measured up to 500 meters. What do you mean by the distance for safety? Do you mean safe for the spectators inside the venue or the visitors or local residents? Outside the radius of 80 meters to 100 meters, it should be safe.
Associated Press Television
How close can the local residents get close to the Bird's Nest because they are going to close all the roads? Where can we find a good spot to watch the fireworks?
Deng Shaohui
We have controlling areas around the Olympic Green. 100 meters away from the Olympic Green will be a good spot for you to watch. But we do have a lot of buildings surround the area. The security parameter is within the radius of 100 meters.
Cai Guoqiang
I can follow up the question raised by the journalists of AP. He doesn't seem so happy with our answer. Actually, the height is not necessarily the best of the security people's concern. Because sometimes, if it is higher, it is probably safer. 100 or 200 meters above, for some people in a distance, they actually feel like it is right above their heads. We have technical parameters. For example in Shichahai, it is very crowded and so it is pretty low. But in parks and other parks and Tian'anmen Square, so we can shoot up higher to the sky. People don't have to go close to the sites to see the fireworks.
Chengdu Business Daily
Have you considered any incidence, for example, what if there is dumb scroll or what if it rains?
Deng Shaohui
2% dumb scroll is allowed according to the Chinese standard firework display. Because fireworks are all manually made, so with the case in the worst, it is very challenging for us to ensure the quality. Of July 16 for the rehearsal of the fireworks, in the dragon-shaped landscape water system, we shot up about 10,000 shells, and less than 1% was dumb.
What about rains, if it is only drizzle, it is ok. But if it is shower, it would affect our firework. In our contingency plan, we take that into consideration. If it is continuing shower, we probably have to cancel the firework display.
Wen Wei Po
First question. Mr. Wang, you said the total budget is really low. But how exactly low? Can you give the figure? And my second question, on July 16, I saw the fireworks, I saw some long lasting affects like the white smoke. How are we going to avoid that from happening? Also, I understand that there was a fire incident. So other than the clothing, the fireproof clothing, I understand you also have to make some adjustment to the science. What about the safety of the workers? And also another question, there is a hat-like thing in the Bird's Nest. Is that something related to the fireworks?
Wang Ning
I am sure you are very concerned about the budget. I said it is low but I have some comparison. I was comparing it to other similar events. Relatively speaking, it is low. The operation center is responsible for the four ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the production and the operation, everything. The cost of the ceremony is not out yet. But what I can tell you we are costing absolutely low compared to other events like this.
Deng Shaohui
The smoke and dust during the rehearsal of July 16, in terms of the standards, what we were trying to achieve is to minimize smokes. And after all, it is gun powder.
As for the second question, fire incidence? Are you talking about on July 16? We didn't have any fire incident at the above the Bird's Nest?
Due to the membrane structure of the Bird's Nest, to ensure the safety, we did two experimental or rehearsal of fireworks. The first time, because we did some rush preparation, probably 5 to 6 days, so we actually use substitute devices for ignition. We didn't use the designated fireworks for the opening ceremonies because we just decided the suppliers of the fireworks. And we are just testing the impact on the main structure. So we just use some substitute fireworks, some parts were melted on the membrane structure. We use the designated devices for ignition and fireworks products one month later. One ten of fireworks was used compared to the actual consumption and affecting tense of the area, no impact.
On July 16, it was exactly the same scale and amount of fireworks used compared to the opening ceremony. On the Bird's Nest, there is no impact on the membrane structure. Not the holes. So two different things and hat-shaped structure has nothing to do with the fireworks.
Hong Kong Commercial Daily
Any Hong Kong specialists or experts involved in the fireworks plan? Because Hong Kong has some display for fireworks and Hong Kong is also a co-host city. Any graphics of equestrian?
Cai Guoqiang
Unfortunately, no graphics of equestrian. Maybe we can create equestrian graphics in the sky in Hong Kong so that Hong Kong and Beijing can echo each other. Very good idea. Specialists and experts in Hong Kong are not involved. Our team mainly is composed of people from mainland China, from Jiangxi manufactures and Hubei.
AP
In terms of all the potentially exclusive fireworks we are going to have for the opening ceremony, what specific security measures are you taking in terms of protecting the fireworks in all the different areas?
Deng Shaohui
I will take this question. For the safety of the fireworks, it is not only for the on site stadium. Our efforts, generally speaking, from the very beginning, including the production and delivery and final installation, we have all the safety measures in place. The on site safety, firstly, depending on the quality of the product, therefore, the Beijing municipal quality supervision authorities have developed a special regulation and standards, which is higher for the firework products. For example, the dumb shell rate, according to national it is 2%. However, for Olympics, it is much lower. So we can ensure the safety of the firework display. For the release safety and security, it is to do with the equipment and facilities.
On top of the Bird's Nest, we have very special design. As you know, it is steel structure on the top of the Bird's Nest. Normally, we have developed special gadget to secure the release equipment with the top of the Bird's Nest to ensure safety and security. The utilization of the special gadget will ensure there will be no damage for the membrane structure. For the ground level, the dragon-shaped landscape water system, along Hujing East Road, we have the firework site in place. During the installation of the testing stage, the security authorities developed very practical measures for the whole installation, it was conducted and supervised by the quality control authorities of the city to ensure the equipment will be 100 % safe for operation.
Sun WeideThank you for all the three guests. I will keep notice. At 11 o'clock of July 25, still in this press conference hall we are going to have a conference on the opening of the Olympic Village. Your present will be welcome. Thank you!
IAAF president Lamine Diack 
The Key Facts about the Torch
