Volunteers stand in front of the services center of the Hangzhou Asian Games Village in Zhejiang Province, China, September 17, 2023. /CFP
The mayor of Hangzhou Asian Games Village has pledged to bestow a home of utmost comfort upon all athletes and officials taking part in the showpiece event.
"When everyone arrives at the Asian Games Village, it truly feels like coming home," said Li Huolin. "We will do our utmost to enhance the functionality of our accommodation, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and provide excellent services akin to being at home.
"Our greatest desire is for everyone to enjoy the convenience of daily life, get ample rest, and experience a sense of safety, warmth and comfort, just like they would in their own homes.
Scheduled to commence on September 23, the 19th Asian Games is poised to become the grandest edition to date. It will feature 12,500 athletes hailing from 45 countries and regions, all vying for glory across 40 sports, 61 disciplines and an impressive 481 events.
A view of the Hangzhou Asian Games Village in Zhejiang Province, China, September 17, 2023. /CFP
Spanning an expansive 1.13 square kilometers, the Asian Games Village, unveiled to the world over the weekend, has been partitioned into three principal domains: the Athletes' Village, the Media Village and the Technical Officials' Village.
Li highlighted that the Asian Games Village has ingeniously implemented low-carbon initiatives and embraced a "Zero Waste" ethos.
This visionary approach aims to foster a culture of environmental consciousness, advocating for green practices, minimal carbon footprint, waste reduction and efficient recycling methods.
The vision is being seamlessly integrated through a synergy of online and offline endeavors, ensuring that residents are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to actively participate in the cause.
Through an online channel, inhabitants gain access to the "Asian Games Cloud Village" platform, featuring the "Low-Carbon Account" program. This innovative system empowers residents to actively engage in the village's carbon reduction endeavors by uploading photos on the platform.
A view of the "Asian Games Cloud Village Low-Carbon Account program" in Zhejiang Province, China, September 17, 2023. /CFP
In doing so, they earn low-carbon points, which can then be exchanged for an assortment of eco-friendly rewards, such as headphones, speakers, backpacks and badges.
In the realm of food and refreshments, the Athlete Village dining hall can cater to 4,200 athletes concurrently.
Meticulously designed, the hall boasts four distinct dining areas, each offering a unique culinary experience. These areas are thoughtfully curated to accommodate beverages, cold and room temperature delicacies, and an open cooking section.
Mayor Li emphasized that the dining hall will offer an uninterrupted service for 20 hours each day. This unwavering commitment to culinary excellence will persist throughout the Games, spanning 16 consecutive days from the opening to the closing ceremonies.
An interior view of the fitness center in the Hangzhou Asian Games Village in Zhejiang Province, China, September 17, 2023. /CFP
With a generous expanse of approximately 8,000 square meters, the Fitness Service Center is a pinnacle of health and wellness within the Asian Games Village.
The state-of-the-art facility encompasses various specialized areas designed to cater to diverse fitness needs. Within its walls, athletes and visitors will discover dedicated spaces for invigorating aerobic exercises, dynamic explosive strength training, and rejuvenating stretching and recovery sessions, as well as a comprehensive suite of equipment that caters to a wide spectrum of training requirements.