In the run-up to the Beijing Olympics, its citizens especially those in the capital, have demonstrated a fervor that borders on the weird and fun apart from expression of national pride.

From songs in honour of Beijing's signature Peking duck to condom campaigns and bizarre tattoo and acupuncture feats, such screwball outpourings from a once dead-pan regime has raised many an eyebrow and provoke chuckles.

When China breaks away from nannyish behaviour to relax when the occasion calls for it, it shows it can join the world to have fun - in the traditional spirit of the Olympics.