What happens to Beijing?

One event I really enjoyed watching was the marathon, because it gave me a chance to see the city of Beijing. Most think of Beijing as being a bunch of old pagoda-style buildings, and Tiananmen Square with that big picture of Mao.

But, watching the marathon gave us a chance to see the new Beijing, with modern buildings and a cosmopolitan look.

But, once everyone is gone, will China "revert" to it's somewhat authoritarian state or did the Olympics make this country "turn the corner" into modern openness?

Comment on what you think...