FACTBOX: Flowers in, factories out -- Beijing gets ready

(Reuters) - Beijing begins two months of "odd-even" traffic restrictions on Sunday to help ease congestion and reduce pollution during the Olympics and Paralympics.

Authorities hope the regulations will take 45 percent of the city's 3.3 million cars off the road and reduce vehicle emissions by 63 percent.

Here are some of steps being taken by authorities for the August 8-24 Olympics:

IN:

-- BIRD'S NEST BANKNOTES: China moved Mao Zedong off 10 yuan banknotes to issue six million cyan-colored Bird's Nest notes.

-- FLORAL DISPLAYS: Four billion flowering plants -- in bright colors by venues and "calmer" one in the Olympic Village.

-- FOREIGN JOURNALISTS: Some 21,600 accredited media, and up to 10,000 more unaccredited reporters.

-- KUNG PAO CHICKEN: The dish of diced chicken fried with chili and peanuts was one of several to receive an official English translation, to eradicate "Chinglish" confusion.

-- MILITARY: A 100,000 strong anti-terrorism force. And surface-to-air missiles have been deployed around major venues.

-- OFFICIAL CHEERS: A four-step cheer based on sporting chant, "Jiayou" or "add oil": "Olympics -- add oil", two claps, double thumbs up, "China -- add oil", two claps, raised fists.

-- QUAKE PANDAS: Eight pandas who survived Sichuan's deadly earthquake in May are star attractions at Beijing Zoo.

-- SUBWAY LINES: Three new subway lines and 2,000 more buses will help carry 4 million extra ex-car users on public transport.

-- TRAFFIC SCANNERS: About 10,000 cameras and "smart" devices are monitoring major roads to catch drivers of "illegal cars".

-- UMBRELLAS: Are allowed in venues to offer spectators shade from the sun, but not long umbrellas.

-- VOLUNTEERS: About 400,000 city volunteers will man kiosks to help 2.5 million expected visitors. Another 100,000 Games volunteers will staff the Olympics and Paralympics.

OUT:  Continued...