In a bid to host the largest ever Asian Games and Asian Para Games in history, Guangzhou has invested large amounts of money to upgrade its urban infrastructure, and build and renovate sports facilities.

"The investment in the games has been kept within budgets. The games will be the largest in history, and at the same time, it will be economical," Wan Qingliang, mayor of Guangzhou, told journalists at a press conference on Wednesday.

The budget for building new stadiums and renovating old sports facilities was 6.3 billion yuan (US$945 million), said Wan. He, however, did not disclose how much was spent on the projects.

Some 70 stadiums, of which 12 are newly developed and 58 have undergone renovations, will be used for both training and competitions during the Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

Most stadiums are located in Guangzhou, but some are in Foshan, Dongguan and Shanwei, which will co-host the games.

Wan said the development and renovations of all stadiums have been completed, and the Asian Games Town, where athletes and accompanying officials will be lodged, will be ready for use on Nov 1.

Authorities have also set up an "operation fund" of 7.3 billion yuan for the period before and during the games.

A whopping 109 billion yuan has been invested in urban infrastructure projects, including the facelift of old buildings, construction of subways and roads, environmental protection and Pearl River cleaning projects.

Official figures show the total operating cost of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games was 19.343 billion yuan.

China also spent 19.49 billion yuan to build 102 stadiums in the national capital and six other co-host cities.

"We are determined to ensure our residents benefit from the 2010 Asian Games. That's why we've invested so much money to upgrade urban infrastructure," Wan said.

The city will open six new subway lines before the games open on Nov 12, linking 80 percent of stadiums and greatly improving traffic conditions for 15 million local people, Wan said.

(China Daily October 14, 2010)