The performance at the opening ceremony of Hangzhou Asian Games showcased the vitality and inclusiveness of the host city. Photo: Xinhua
Xu Jialing lit the cauldron of Hangzhou Asian Para Games at the opening ceremony with an intelligent bionic hand.Photo: Xinhua
Robot dogs were used to transport discuses and javelins at Hangzhou Asian Games. Photo: Xinhua
By Daria Fominykh
The closing of Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games, which drew over 12,000 and 3,000 athletes from across Asia respectively, marked a milestone for Hangzhou, ushering in a transformative impact on the city's daily life, global recognition, and economic and urban development.
Economic growth
The Asian Games and Asian Para Games not only celebrated sporting achievements but also fostered economic collaboration and trade. Hangzhou's service sector grew by an 8.4% year-on-year increase in the first six months, with the accommodation and catering incomes increasing by 18.1%. The games catalyzed the sports economy and sportswear manufacturing, boosting Hangzhou's exports.
As a result, Hangzhou's GDP saw a significant rise of approximately 414.1 billion RMB, and the Games contributed around 103.3 billion RMB to the local government's revenue. In terms of employment, the events had created an estimated 670,000 jobs.
The success of the Games was not solely dependent on public funds. The private sector actively contributed. About 176 enterprises from 118 industries, 107 of which are based in Zhejiang Province, sponsored the games with a total commitment of 44.178 billion RMB, representing 83.1% of the overall market development income.
World-class events hosting capacity
The Games left behind an upgraded infrastructure in Hangzhou, so that the city will be able to host more global events. Several cooperation agreements were signed between Hangzhou and international sports organizations such as the Badminton World Federation, International Canoe Federation, and International Hockey Federation, aiming to host more world-class events and championships by 2035.
Of the 56 competition venues, 51 have secured post-event operation, aligning with the principle of being "shared, co-constructed, and co-utilized", ensuring their availability to the public. The city also increased its per capita sports facility area from 1.8 square meters to 2.74 square meters during the eight-year preparations, with expectations to reach 2.85 square meters by the end of the year.
Tourism boosts
During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, Hangzhou's tourist attractions, including rural destinations, had seen 13.08 million visitors with a significant 34.37% increase compared to that in the 2022 National Day holidays. What's noteworthy was that tourists extended their stays in Hangzhou, spending an average of 3.3 days per person, which had been doubled compared to that in the previous holidays. International arrivals also saw a remarkable surge, with a 288.6% year-on-year increase according to comparable metrics.
Despite this remarkable boost in Hangzhou's tourism industry, the city remains committed to further enhancing its appeal to travelers, leveraging the success of the Asian Games.
In next May, both Hangzhou residents and visitors will be able to watch the opening and closing ceremony performances of Hangzhou Asian Games at the Xianghu Lake. Located approximately 20 kilometers away from downtown Hangzhou, the Xianghu Lake is often compared to the West Lake. The performances will take place at the "Xianghu & Elegance" Park, with the sky as the backdrop, water as the stage, and the mountains as the settings.
Tech advancements
The Asian Games and Asian Para Games also showcased Hangzhou's technological prowess. Innovations like intelligent guide dogs, brainwave-controlled bionic hands, and real-time digital sign language translation were introduced to the city. These technological advancements underpinned the commitment to assisting those with disabilities in a technological measure.
To further enhance accessibility, Hangzhou has taken significant steps. The city added more than 1,000 "8-meter buses" equipped with accessible devices, comprising 54.5% of the entire bus fleet and covering 80.3% of bus routes. Hangzhou also introduced 500 accessible taxis and 1,600 barrier-free toilets.
In the preparation for the Asian Para Games, Hangzhou has not only focused on facilities but also on infrastructure. The city has improved 234 road segments with 84 installed specific accessibility enhancements. These efforts underline the lasting impact of the Asian Games and Asian Para Games on the city's development.
Upgraded public transportation
Over the eight years leading to the Asian Games bid, Hangzhou has made substantial investments in its transportation infrastructure. The metro system has expanded from three lines to twelve lines, covering all urban districts and totaling 516 kilometers. During the Asian Games, the metro efficiently transported 68.76 million passengers.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport has completed its T4 terminal and had a future high-speed rail connection blueprint. Hangzhou's commitment to these events has not only enriched the city but has also made it a global model for inclusiveness and progress, shaping its future as a modern and vibrant metropolitan.
The resounding success of Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games has not only showcased the city's remarkable development but has also positioned it as a prime contender for future major events.