Is it too early to call the shots?

Reports from the website of the Beijing Daily and the Beijing Evening News report that the Beijing Olympic Green will be re-opening October 9, 2008. On Subway forums populated with locals and Subway staff, the news is out: Subway Line 8 might open as early as October 9, 2008.

So how will this thing called "security" fare? Like Tian'anmen, you will likely be subjected to security checks. The moment you enter a Line 8 station, for example, you'll need to stick your bags through the X-ray machine.

Access to the Green, though, is likely to remain free, with tickets only required for major venues such as The Nest and The Cube. It seems like that access to The Nest might be reserved for groups at the start, but you might never know.

No word, though, on that great big Forest Park. Maybe another free attraction? (Don't take our word for it, though!)

By the way -- the Green hosted 2.42 million visitors. (The Jing has 17 million already at last count. And that's for a whole city...)