More sports facilities planned for Asian Games

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By Liang Qiwen (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-01-13 10:14

GUANGZHOU -- As the 2010 Asian Games approach, the host city Guangzhou has a comprehensive urban plan to meet the demands of the grand sports gala and its own development.

Under the new blueprint, its Tianhe district will remain the most important central business district (CBD) of the city due to its highly developed commerce, hotel industry, culture, sports and convention industry.

The district's Tianhe Sports Center and stadiums of Jinan University, South China Normal University and South China University of Technology will be used for the games.

As the district becomes a symbol of sports and culture in Guangzhou, a new urban center named Guangzhou new town will be built.

Neighboring Guangzhou's Panyu district about 40 minutes by bus from the downtown area of Guangzhou, the new town will cover 228 sq km. New buildings planned include schools, sports stadiums and exhibition centers.

An ecological island named Hai'ou Island is among the large developments in the new town. Its Guangdong Olympic Sports Center was the main stadium for the Ninth National Games of China in 2001.

After eight years' develop- ment, areas surrounding the stadium now have mature sports facilities.

The center will be the main stadium for the 2010 Asian Games as well. Guangzhou is upgrading the stadium and its surrounding area.

Guangzhou university town also offers many quality stadiums for the games. Far from downtown, the area has developed convenient transportation facilities, including its subway Line 4.

Foshan is a neighboring city of Guangzhou. The subway line connecting the two cities is under construction.

In Fangcun district, a tennis center will be built. Plus the district's original golf courses, flower and bird market, temples and shopping malls, the suburban district will become a leisure activity center of Guangzhou in the future.