The huge mechanical creature rears up smoke billowing from its dragon's snout and its primeval howl echoing in the Beijing night as it approaches its arachnid adversary. The event, October 17-19, mounted outside the Bird's Nest stadiumin Beijing that hosted the 2008 Olympics, is part of the commemorations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Paris and the People's Republic. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) |