Going behind the scenes for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games, Discovery Channel will present an eight-episode series, "China 080808," airing from Sunday to next Saturday.
It will be broadcast in English with Chinese subtitles.
The documentary captures many faces and aspects of China's preparations for the world's biggest sporting event that will be "high-tech, green and distinctively Chinese." The series also covers China's fight against air pollution and traffic congestion.
Airing daily at 9pm, the series captures early planning as well as the current excitement on the streets and last-minute preparations. It zooms in on athletes and their training, design and construction of breathtaking sport facilities and Beijing's efforts to deliver clean, green and environmentally friendly Games.
"We turn our lens on the innovation, endeavor and commitment that China and her athletes are pouring into hosting and participating in the Olympics," says Chang Fang, vice president of Discovery Networks Asia and general manager for China.
"The production also aims to spread the Olympic spirit and transmit a message of friendship and peace," Chang says.
Since 1988, China has steadily climbed up the Olympic medal ladder. In Athens four years ago, China finished second, just behind the United States in the medal count.
The series will reveal China's sporting "secrets" to success. How are athletes preparing? How does training use technology and sports science and how does China's training compare with that of other nations? Is there a uniquely Chinese approach and winning formula for Olympic champions?
The film crew went to four continents to meet six Olympic hopefuls in gymnastics, swimming and track and field. Their training weapon of choice is high-tech science. The difference between winning and losing can be a fraction of a second.
The series chronicles Beijing's infrastructure preparations and transformation into the ultimate Olympic city over the past years.
It will also explore the distinctive stadiums, including the Bird's Nest National Stadium, the genius of designers, engineers and builders.
August 3-9, daily, 9pm, Documentary Channel
Editor: Liu Fang
