Subway security guard Wang Lei said he has never been happier.

"Without the Olympics, I wouldn`t have come here. I like Beijing; it`s a fun place," he said.

The 21-year-old is from a small county in Shandong province. After graduating from college in his hometown, Wang was recruited by the Beijing subway operator as a security guard.

"I think it`s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually do something for the Olympics. My family is very proud of me," he said.

Less than a month before the Games, the city has been buzzing an air of expectancy, and, like Wang, many people have come out to lend a helping hand.

New posters have been put up in the subway station where Wang works, one of which read: "Where the world comes to share".

In addition, a list has been posted of the new subway security regulations introduced last month.

Above ground, screens at train stations showed videos of previous Olympic events. Flags displaying the Olympic mascots - the fuwa - were flown along main roads.

At Tian`anmen Square, blue-uniformed workers were cleaning the tiles and preparing to decorate the square.

"It`s too early to say the city has been absolutely bombarded by the Olympics, but it`s hard not to notice all the signs," university student Huang Ailing said.

She came to Beijing for a brief visit before taking the train back to her hometown in Zhangzhou, Fujian province.

"Beijing will be a party spot and probably the world`s most interesting place when the Olympics open," she said.

Businesses have also been getting in the spirit. The century-old Beijing roast duck restaurant chain Quanjude has been offering cold dishes shaped like the monumental Olympic venues the Bird`s Nest and Water Cube.

Markets shelves have been stocked with Chinese national flags, Chinese dolls, whistles and commemorative Olympic items. Around downtown Beihai area, shops have been stocking souvenirs featuring Olympic themes - for example, chinaware inscribed with "Go China, Go Olympics".