Host City

Guangdong Special: Guangzhou preps for the Asian Games

By Zhuan Ti and Qi Xuan (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-08-24 07:52

A Guangzhou Zhujiang Brewery Group Co assembly line. The corporation's Guangzhou plant produces 1.5 million tons of beer annually.

Guangzhou is prepping for the Asian Games. The city is receiving a makeover as workers renovate aging structures and officials promote cultural tourism.

Three Pacific wharf (Taigucang) docks will house a new recreation center. A cinema, wine shop and motorboat club will soon occupy century old harbor buildings.

Renewal projects were initiated in 2008 with an 80 million yuan government investment and private investment of 120 million yuan. All historic structures will undergo restoration work.

This year, eight formerly abandoned warehouses were converted to upscale hotels and restaurants, offering visitors scenic harbor views. Located on the south bank of the Pearl River, the area occupies about 55,000 sq meters.

Fashionable industry

After ceasing production three years ago, Guangzhou Textile Industry & Trade Holdings Ltd (TIT) sought new uses for its plant. It began renting marketing and design offices to international firms, as well as displaying the fashion collections of local artisans.

Current exhibits include Guangzhou and Chaozhou embroideries, Xiangyun Silk and a series of 19th century dresses contributed by Qu Tingnan.

The former plant will soon host fashion shows, expected to bring in around 100 million yuan annually. Its owners aim to transform the area into a successful art district, modeled after that in Beijing.

Brewery museum

The Zhujiang-InBev international beer museum has received more than 30,000 visitors since it opened last year.

A cooperation between Guangzhou Zhujiang Brewery Group Co and InBev S.A, the museum is located on Pearl River's south bank near the Pazhou international convention center.

Visitors can learn about the art of brewing through interactive games and exhibits. Displays also educate guests on the history of beer.

A 1,800-square-meter bar features Zhujiang Beer samples and a variety of snacks.

Arts and culture

Held in celebration of Chinese Valentine's Day, the annual Guangzhou Qiqiao cultural festival is a frequent draw for tourists.

It first originated several centuries ago when girls would gather to sing Qiqiao, a song of sisterhood. Today, the festival features opera performances, a talent competition and photography displays.

The area's cultural heritage is also embraced by art troupes. A recent group from Zhuji entertained residents with a dragon dance and gong and drum show. All activities were jointly hosted by the Tianhe District Party Committee and the local government.

Officials are similarly promoting many provincial historical sites.

Among them is Zu Miao Temple, located in Foshan city. The ancestral temple hails from the Song Dynasty (1078-1085), and was built to worship the North God.

It houses the Wan Fu stage for Cantonese Opera, the Ling Ying Archway and the Jin Xiang Pool.

(China Daily 08/24/2010 page11)