The curtain rises this weekend on a spectacular multi-million dollar carnival which aims to take the capital by storm.

The 2004 Beijing World Carnival brings in excess of 50 rides -- including the world's largest big wheel -- to a 50,000-square-meter area of the city for six weeks of fun and games.

The event making its Beijing debut has proved to be a money-spinning success story in cities including Shanghai and Hong Kong in previous years.

It will be staged at Shijingshan International Sculpture Park from July 2 to August 22.

In addition to boasting some of the most exciting and hair-raising rides in the world, the carnival features dozens of games, a huge variety of local and international food and drink.

Rides and games are paid with tokens. A 50-yuan (US$6) coupon includes 10 tokens for use inside. They are sold at the World Carnival gate and McDonald's outlets in Beijing. The fast food giant will have a major presence at the event.

Additional tokens sold on-site can be used for rides and games. As an incentive, prizes and toys will be up for grabs to the winners of games. Food and drink can be paid for in cash.

The World Carnival cost 150 million yuan (US$18 million) to put together. It offers short-term employment to 1,200 Beijing residents along with 180 foreign specialists.

The event expects to draw 2 million visitors over the course of its time in Beijing.

The business consortium behind it has pledged to arrange charity and entertainment activities as way of giving back to the community. The China Charity Federation will be given two booths at no cost for fund-raising and charity activities.

Most evenings will see cultural, folk, and professional entertainment performances provided free to paying customers of the carnival.

A World Carnival Excellence Awards Competition is also scheduled from 7 pm to 9 pm up until August 14.

Celebrity guest appearances are also promised throughout the event.

A number of showcase activities include a National World Carnival Postage Stamp Release, Olympic Day, Chinese National Charity Day, PLA Day, Special Olympics and the China Silk Road Model Competition Final.

World Carnival Ltd, a private Hong Kong company, is the world's largest touring carnival. It was founded in 2001 by Hans Lodders and William Stevens with the specific aim of opening up the Chinese market to major European-style carnivals.

Six successful events in China have already played host to over 9 million guests. World Carnival claims to be the dominant carnival event leader with virtually no competitors that can match it in terms of scale, management know-how and quality of products.

China's consumers have already shown they're prepared to dig deep when it comes to paying for the thrills and spills provided by such events.

The Shanghai event last year attracted over 2.1 million visitors and enjoyed a larger average daily attendance and per capita spending than the three previous World Carnival events in Hong Kong.

World Carnival's successful track record has brought it invitations from several city governments and organizations throughout China.

World Carnival ultimately plans to bring its unique brand of entertainment to major cities throughout China.

To get there: Subway (Yu Quan Lu exit) and other public transportations are strongly recommended. Private car parking space is available at the site.

Dates of special activities and performances:

July 2: Opening Ceremony

July 4: National World Carnival Postage Stamp Release

July 13: Olympic Day

July 24: Chinese National Charity Day

August 1: People's Liberation Army Day

August 13: Special Olympics

August 14: World Carnival Excellence Awards Final

August 22: Closing Ceremony

How to purchase tickets

From July 2 (opening date) throughout the carnival operation, tickets can be purchased at World Carnival Entrance (Beijing International Sculpture Park; metro station Yu Quan Lu).

You can also make use of carnival pre-sale services. Pre-sales have already started and are available to the public and organizations seeking to purchase 20 or more tickets. Tickets can be ordered by contacting the ticket hotlines: 6518-0618 (English and Chinese)

Fax: 6518-8608

For more information, please visit www.china-carnival.com

(Beijing Weekend July 2, 2004)