Beijing marked the 100-day countdown to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games on Wednesday with various celebrations, including a 13km marathon relay and a 2km walk-cum-jog – and a massive security operation too!

The third (final) phase of sales of the 6.8 million tickets will also begin in the first week of May.

All of the Olympics competition sites, like the Bird's Nest stadium, are in the final touches and some are even hosting competitions to test-drive the venues.

The new Terminal Three (T3) of the Beijing Capital International Airport began operations a few months ago.

New subway lines are in operation and even the subway fare has been reduced from three yuan (RM1.35) to two yuan (90 sen) per ride.

Many buildings are being refurbished and given a paint job, including the famous Forbidden City, which has undergone an extensive facelift.

For instance, Taihedian, the highest and most striking building in the Forbidden City, has been closed for repairs for more than two years but will be unveiled ahead of the Olympics.

And the historic Qianmen Street, after a year-long renovation, will be open to the public in early May.

Qianmen Street, located in central Beijing, is a famous shopping street in old Beijing.

And Wednesday also saw the return of the Olympic flame to China after its protest-hit global relay.

Demonstrations in various cities around the world criticising Beijing’s human rights record and the pro-Tibet independence protests have dogged the worldwide journey.

In turn, the torch relay, which has endured the most tortuous trek of its history, has prompted patriotic rallies by the overseas Chinese and those in the mainland.

"The 100 days ahead will bring mounting excitement and energy to Beijing. Citizens and visitors will see the city continue to transform itself as it welcomes athletes, the media and spectators for the final test events, as well as for the Games themselves," said the International Olympic Committee in a statement.

However, Beijing's preparations for the Games have been overshadowed by the relay's troubled journey and the protests.

They have led Beijing to launch a massive security drill and impose new visa restrictions in the past weeks.

Some months ago, my Malaysian friend who is working here wanted to give her father a gift – to enjoy a lengthy holiday in the Chinese capital during the Olympics.

But three weeks ago, she realised that she might have to go through a lot of hassle to give her father this present due to the new Chinese visa restrictions!

"I am now not sure if I am able to apply for a visa for him to come during the Olympics," she said, adding that the air ticket was purchased during the Matta fair in Kuala Lumpur.

Apparently, she is not the only one facing this difficulty in applying for a visa to enter China.

According to my friend, even if her father could get the visa, he may have to enter China within a short period of time after it is issued. And he may not be allowed to stay longer.

Previously, L visa holders were given three months after the date of issue to enter China and were allowed to stay 30 days.

Tightening visa requirements is just one of the moves by the Chinese authorities as they tighten security for the Summer Olympics in August.