Source: CCTV.com

07-16-2008 14:15

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Olympic fever is spreading across China. Thousands of Hong Kong residents stood in long lines on Tuesday to snap up special banknotes to commemorate this summer's Olympics. And that's more than a day before their official release.

Despite bad weather, long lines began forming as early as Monday. That was more than two days before the Olympic commemorative banknotes were due to be issued on Wednesday.

In the financial hub of Central, Hong Kong residents, including young children and pensioners, flocked to the main Bank of China branch at the crack of dawn. Some even hunkered down inside tents for a lengthy wait.

Banknote buyer, said, "It's worth waiting to buy the Olympic banknotes. They have special value. It's taken a long time for the bank to issue such valuable banknotes. I couldn't line up yesterday, so that's why I'm here waiting today."

Four million of the 20-Hong Kong dollar Olympic commemorative banknotes will be issued.

Although a severe thunderstorm on Monday night drenched thousands, the Bank of China was forced to issue banknote purchase vouchers to finally disperse the crowds. But fresh lines have quickly formed again.

 

Editor:Yang Jie