City volunteers have started their work for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics. During the Games, tourists and residents can get help at 550 volunteer service stations. At the moment, about half of them are put into use.

Our reporter Liao Jibo brings you the story.

The city volunteer stations are spread across Beijing, mainly around the Olympic venues, transport hubs, tourist attractions, and commercial networks. Some 400- thousand volunteers will provide information, emergency and interpretation services eight hours a day.

He Qian, a volunteer from the Beijing Technology and Business University, says volunteers have received special training over the past few months.

"We've received some training in emergency aids, like cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and binding up the wounds, and we've also gained some knowledge for psychological treatment."

City volunteers at different stations are working on different tasks. For instance, volunteers at Beijing's most renowned food street Guijie have mapped out the locations and specialties of over 90 restaurants along the street.

Meanwhile, medical volunteers in hospitals provided free clinics for passers-bys.

When bad weather comes, volunteers in shopping areas will help escort tourists to bus stations as soon as possible.

Chen Mengyuan, a volunteer at Beijing's western Shijinshan District, says she feels really happy helping others.

"It's a real pleasure to offer help to others. For instance, we've guided two 90-year-olds to the bus station this morning. It made me feel good."

Many city volunteers say they regard being a volunteer for Olympics as a valuable experience. Zhang Qing is one of them.

"I am really honored to be an Olympic volunteer. I will make my best to offer help. We've learned a lot about caring for others, and this will benefit me a lot all my life."

Meanwhile, some volunteers say that they will overcome intellectual barriers to provide better service.

Gao Jun is a college student, who learned more skills while attending the volunteer program.

"My oral English is not so good. However, I will have to communicate with international friends during the Olympic Games. I need to do more practice to improve myself."

For the next three months, city volunteers in Beijing will devote more effort to display Chinese people's hospitality to the world.

Liao Jibo, CRI news.