Though the country has a long way to go before it provides comprehensive barrier-free facilities for disabled people, Beijing Games organizers are taking many measures to ensure Paralympians from all corners of the world enjoy a smooth trip.

During the 2008 Beijing Paralympics from September 6-17, some 4,000 disabled athletes, 2,500 delegation officials and 1,000 technical officials from 150 countries and regions will visit the capital. It is estimated that about 2,000 among them will use wheelchairs.

Because the Beijing Paralympics will use the same venues as the 2008 Olympics, all the venues and rooms in the athlete's village have been designed for both events.

Some 390 three-star or above hotels in Beijing can provide barrier-free access. There are also 168 rooms specifically designed for people with a disability at Olympic-designated hotels.

As well as 275 barrier-free buses, some taxis will be transformed to be more user-friendly.

Last year, Beijing invested 70 million yuan (US$9.5 million) on revamping scenic spots like the Great Wall, Summer Palace and Forbidden City to make them more accessible.

A lift has been built at the front gate of the Forbidden City and another one is to be set up at the popular Badaling section of the Great Wall.

"It is a dream for disabled people like me to go to the Great Wall, but we need to protect our cultural relics when providing barrier-free facilities," Lu said.

A guidebook aimed at making life easier for disabled people in the capital will also be published to coincide with the Games. The brochure tells users how to find barrier-free facilities when traveling around the city.

"It is a big challenge for Beijing to provide a first-class service for disabled people from around the world," said Tang Xiaoquan, CDPF director and executive vice-president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).

"The 2008 Olympics host city has given China's disabled cause a huge boost."