Beijing, China Taking stock after Beijing’s Olympics 25/08/08 09:16 CET

Life is getting back to normal in Beijing now that the Olympic party is over. But, as the press basks in the glory of a Games widely hailed as successful, there were no gold medals for the hosts from human rights groups.

At home, the sporting exploits and organisational success have certainly boosted confidence.

It will have a positive effect, argued Olympic tourist Li Lisheng, who travelled to Beijing from China’s economic hub of Shanghai. He did not believe staging the Olympics would affect the country’s already booming economy.

For critics, however, the Games were a carefully- orchestrated facade. They say that throughout the event China cracked down on dissidents, potential protesters and journalists to ensure the appearance of perfect Olympic harmony.