Officially-organised but wildly excited crowds cheered the torch through Beijing this week in images China hopes will erase memories of the Tibet protests on its international tour.

There have been problems with the torch — but now is the time for the party! said Weng Chengyu, a 28-year-old student among the dancing, singing crowds on the Great Wall.

Smog and sweltering heat remain a concern for athletes, though neither are unique to Beijing. Skies were hazy again on Thursday, but authorities, who spent $18 billion on cleanup moves, said air quality was fairly good.

August is thunderstorm season in Beijing, and organisers have talked of using experimental technology to seed rain clouds to ensure it stays dry for Friday’s opening.

China’s 7ft 6in basketball player Yao Ming will carry the host nation’s flag at that ceremony. The two Koreas have failed to agree a joint march, as they did in 2000 and 2004.

Undeterred by a 100,000-strong security force in Beijing, small groups of protesters have popped up this week to demonstrate over Tibet, abortion and animal rights.