For over 2000 years China’s biggest and most famous built structure has been the Great Wall. At the Badaling section of the wall, spelt out Beverley-Hills-style in 15-metre high letters fixed to a steel frame, are the words “One World One Dream”, the official motto of the Olympic Games 2008 (ill. A). Yet, unlike the Californian dream factory, the building materials here are not papier maché and plywood, but steel, concrete and glass. Through these Games China wants to demonstrate to the world that it is now a full member of the international community, culturally, ecologically, technologically and in terms of human rights. The horrific images of 4 June 1989 when armoured vehicles ran down students on Tiananmen Square are now to be replaced with pictures of happy sportsmen and women and splendid stadiums.