The opening ceremony for a new Beijing subway line, the Olympic Branch Line, was held this morning. This line and 2 others are expected to significantly expand the capacity of the city's underground transport.

The Olympic Branch Line runs through the Olympic stadiums, gymnasiums and parks. It will provide a direct service to the Games, with one stop at the Bird's Nest, site of the opening ceremony of the Games. The trains are spacious and air-conditioned, and feature traditional Chinese designs, with Olympic symbols.

The other two new lines, Line 10 and the Airport Express Line, will be inaugurated Saturday afternoon. The three new lines bring the total of Beijing subway lines to 8, with a combined length of over 200 kilometers.

(CCTV July 19, 2008)