The 19th Asian Games and the transformative venues

The 19th Asian Games, jointly hosted by Hangzhou and five other cities in Zhejiang Province—Ningbo, Wenzhou, Jinhua, Shaoxing, and Huzhou—will officially commence on September 23rd, running until October 8th.

This grand sporting event will see participation from athletes representing 45 countries, competing across 54 venues encompassing 40 diverse sports disciplines. In preparation for the Asian Games, several venues underwent substantial upgrades, while others were constructed from the ground up. These investments were not solely aimed at a short-lived spectacle, but these facilities are designed for a lasting legacy.

Xu Bin, Deputy Director, Asian Games Information Committee said "Many of these venues were upgraded from existing ones, while only some were newly built, and they will be used for long-term purposes after the games. The Media Center, which was previously used as a venue for the G20 Summit in 2016, has been renovated to serve as the Main Media Center. This facility can be used for various purposes, including private and international meetings, exhibitions, and weddings. There is no concern about these facilities becoming useless. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian Games were delayed, and people in Hangzhou visited these stadiums for exercise. Therefore, after the Asian Games, even more people are expected to visit these facilities."

These very venues will also become the stage for the 4th Asian Para Games from October 22nd to 28th. In this way, they continue to fulfill their purpose, promoting inclusivity and international camaraderie. The 19th Asian Games represent more than just a sporting extravaganza; they symbolize a transformation of Hangzhou and Zhejiang's infrastructure, leaving behind a legacy of purposeful venues that will enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike for years to come.