On Friday, Beijing's skies were the clearest since the start of the 2008 Olympics. And people are more confident than ever of the air quality during the Games.

A week into the Games, and Beijing sees the most beautiful day. Despite the sunshine, the temperature stood at... And the pollution reading was down to seventeen, classified as excellent.

The weather is obviously a major factor in this, but the clear air is also due to the environmental efforts the city has made.

Beijing resident Sha Gang said, "I think yesterday's rainfall helped clear the sky. It's very nice. Beijing has done a good job reducing pollution. They even relocated the capital steel factory and to me, almost two thirds of the vehicles are off the roads now. We're doing our part to support the city."

Amid concerns about Beijing's pollution, environmental experts are confident of air quality during the Games. August has historically been the best month of a year in which most days meet quality standards.