It would be a grave understatement to indicate the build-up to the 7th Military World Games has been enveloped in a robust undertow of excitement. With just hours until the opening ceremony, anticipation is running exceedingly high in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

On Friday morning, roads leading up to the Wuhan Sports Center Stadium were packed with vehicles, while certain pathways were closed amid heavy security in preparation for the event on Friday at 8 p.m.

A sense of positivity was discernible as a flurry of bright-colored banners promoting the Military Games were flying high in the teeming thoroughfares of the metropolitan area, while larger-than-life digital billboards featuring Bing Bing, the well-crafted official mascot, captivated passersby. 

"I am absolutely thrilled to be here to see what promised to be the most visually stunning performance in the world," beamed Chen Yitian, who came all the way from Shenyang City, northeast China's Liaoning Province to catch the buzz.

"I know there will be a 360-degree panoramic display during the opening ceremony and I can't wait to see it with my own eyes," she added.

Chen's eagerness was echoed by Wang Zhen, who took a peek at the full dress rehearsal days ago. "Wuhan will greet the world with a two-hour stadium spectacular, highlighting a flourishing China and an interconnected world," he noted. "It's going to be engraved in your mind. There's no doubt about that."

"You can feel this surge of momentum behind the tournament – the passion of the fans is staggering," observed Fang Lei, a chatty, cheerful volunteer who is devoting a large amount of his time to the intricate arrangement of the event. "People have shown real interest in it. Some have bombarded us with all kinds of questions about the Military Games."

The local-born Fang said he was hoping for a substantial leap in visibility for Wuhan in the way that Beijing transformed into an epicenter of international sports when the Chinese capital staged the Summer Olympic Games in 2008.

"All eyes will be on Wuhan over the next 10 days and it's our turn to shine."