But for many ordinary Beijing residents, today's ceremony was simply a piece of rare and colorful political theater.

It is difficult to gauge the attitude of Beijing residents to the games.

Ordinary Beijing residents were blocked from entering the 99-acre square.

Some Beijing residents seem to have a hard time explaining all that war-fighting equipment to their children.

"What we do benefits the everyday life of Beijing residents."

Until the mid-15th century, Beijing residents relied on wood for heating and cooking.

Food subsidies will be paid to Beijing residents within the next month or two, according to the press agency.

Beijing residents today had other things to preoccupy them, like how to keep the army out.

Most Beijing residents do not drink water straight from the tap for fear of contamination.

Even Beijing residents, apart from the 500,000 taking part, will have little chance to actually see the parade.