According to a recent poll, about 47 percent households in Beijing have connected to the Internet till the first quarter of 2004.  

Two thirds of those families chose broadband connection services, while others prefer to use the dial-up access.

Spurred by growth in telecommunications, IT and online gaming, China's internet industry is booming.

Besides household Internet users, the numerous Internet cafes in Chinese cities have contributed at least 15 billion yuan or US$1.8 billion annually to the country's revenue.

(CRI October 12, 2004)