China's extraordinary Olympic year

A man takes a nap outside a shop in the city's Nanluoguxiang hutong Photograph: Dan Chung/Guardian

A mobile barber gets to work on a customer near a construction site in the city. The barber carries her equipment around with her on a bicycle Photograph: Dan Chung/Guardian

Revellers take to the dancefloor by Houhai lake, a popular nightspot. The lake is surrounded by nightclubs, bars and restaurants Photograph: Dan Chung/Guardian

A police officer stands guard during a flag-lowering ceremony in Tiananmen Square Photograph: Dan Chung/Guardian

An Olympic supporter wearing 2008 glasses poses near the Water Cube, which will host swimming competitions during the games Photograph: Dan Chung/Guardian

A woman takes her dog for a ride in Nanluguoxiang hutong, which has recently been refurbished in advance of the 2008 Olympics Photograph: Dan Chung/Guardian

A couple share a kiss in the moonlight near Houhai lake Photograph: Dan Chung/Guardian

A man and woman on a motorbike in Nanluoguxiang hutong, which is located in Beijing’s Dongcheng district Photograph: Dan Chung/Guardian

A man and a woman enter a subway entrance near the Forbidden City, located in the center of Beijing Photograph: Dan Chung/Guardian