TO GO WITH: OLY-2008-CHN-COUNTDOWN-6MONT

TO GO WITH: OLY-2008-CHN-COUNTDOWN-6MONTHS by Charles Whelan People take in the view of central Beijing from the top of Coal Hill, or Jingshan Park, looking northward along the former imperial city's central axis toward the ancient Drum and Bell Towers in the distance and the Olympic Green and main athtletic and swimming venues beyond the horizon on 01 February, 2008 in Beijing. The transformation of much of Beijing into a concrete jungle can't be blamed entirely on the Olympics but the old city might have survived longer without the sporting extravaganza, according to experts. In a city of 17 million people, where the car has taken over as the main means of transport, the Olympics have also been a spur to improving infrastructure and some 40 billion dollars have been spent on the city's makeover, most of it on new roads, railways and a new airport terminal. AFP PHOTO /Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)