You can now find out if a road in Beijing is crowded with just a click of the mouse. And if you don't know how to get to the Bird's Nest, just log online!

The bilingual Beijing Transportation Web site, www.bjjtw.gov.cn, was launched on Monday with real-time traffic information updated by 13,000 taxi drivers, a senior official at the city's traffic information center told Beijing News.

One can also search for parking lots, bus routes, and even how to get to a tourist site.

A digital map with a smart road guide is also available.

The Olympic section on the Web site offers a map of Olympic venues, as well as guides on how to get there.

Also, almost half of Beijing's 66,000 taxis can be booked in advance by dialing 96103 or 6837 3399.

(CRIENGLISH.com August 6, 2008)