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Editor's Note

With only hours remaining until the Spring Festival and celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year Year of the Rat begin, the weather in Beijing could hardly be better. Trains and buses are plying their routes as Beijing empties itself of those whose families live elsewhere. The great annual Spring Festival migration has begun.

Blue skies and almost balmy temperatures have greeted Beijing’s commuters for nearly a week now, making it a wonderful time to rest under deep blue skies in a sunny place in a neighbourhood or public park and visit with friends. It’s hard to imagine the plights of the millions in South China who are battling the effects of freezing rain, ice and snow, ruined crops and smashed greenhouses, crumpled power transmission towers and vanquished travel plans.

Most of us in Beijing can only watch TV or read news stories of the people’s suffering in dismay, but we are also amazed at the bravery and the fortitude of those who are engaged in the never-ending struggle with nature to save what remains and to build a better future. With signs that the worst may be over, we sincerely hope and believe the people of South China will overcome this freak weather tragedy, rebound quickly and find a way to enjoy what remains of this unforgettable holiday season.

It all serves to remind us that life waits on no one; it happens, whether we’re prepared or have done our homework or not. It makes us appreciate those who have had the foresight to plan ahead and to establish social systems that work regardless what comes our way, people such as those honoured by this year’s CCTV Magnificent Ten of the Chinese Economy Awards. See our story about this year’s winners on page 28.

For many, the Spring Festival may be the last chance to take a break between now and the end of the Olympic and Paralympic Games next fall. Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong’s Report on the Work of the Government sets the tone for Beijing’s socio-economic development in the coming year even as it recapitulates the successes of 2007. The emphasis, as detailed in our “Cover Story” beginning on page 12, is on the Olympic Games, but since the Olympics is just part of what “New Beijing, Great Olympics” is really about, read this important story about Beijing’s future development to see where you and your firm might fit in.

Happy holidays and a prosperous New Year to you all!