With the Holy Flame dying out slowly, being widely commended and attracted public concern, the Asian Games and the Asian Paralympics were closed in Guangzhou.
The question of “What did the Asian Games leave to Guangzhou?” is what we might introspect after all that glory. Is it the necessary road to growth for an international city? What kind of attitude should we hold when jointing with the world?
Lay the city status of Guangzhou----the third biggest city of China
Nanfang Daily: What image would the Guangzhou Asian Games pass to the public? What unique value did it show compared to the Olympics in Beijing and the World Expo in Shanghai?
Yu Kongjian: It means that Guangzhou is not only the biggest city in South China, but also the important window of China. Meanwhile, the three worldwide events, the Olympic in Beijing, Expo in Shanghai and Asian games in Guangzhou, represent the development of China.
The opening ceremony transfers the concept that this is Guangzhou, a city with more ethnic characteristics. Compared to the Olympic in Beijing and the Expo in Shanghai, it has more local flavors and life interests, which can be obviously seen.
The beginning of urban civilization
The international planning and practice, which contains people, substance, culture and finance, are a significant move in the history of city development.
Li Yongning: Through the Asian Games, plenty of international elements, such as people, substance, culture and finance, have finally aggregated in Guangzhou and the Pearl River Delta. This is a creative and significant move of Guangzhou.
Nanfang Daily: There is a word “mage-event” to describe the event which produces a significant impact in a city or a country. In a way, it represents an era. Olympics, World Expo and Asian Games, can’t these be called mage-event?
Ibsen: It shows that China is an open country though holding these large international events in China. In German, Europe, or even all over the world, these three international events are regarded as an important part of China development. It means China is an exoteric country, which has epoch-making significance.
China needs to attract the global attention
A country does need to prove to all the people that it has become stronger. When the first World Expo was held in London, England showed its greatness and colony achievement.
Yu Kongjian: As far as I am concerned, only the weak shows off. But it is a common sometimes consciousness for Chinese people, who think it is a necessary process.
Li Yongning: Guangzhou is the first city that puts forward to build an international city in China. It’s also the first one that aims to establish a core city in a pragmatic way. So it is applied in the Asian Games. This measure enhances the city’s vigor. The new city image, construction and the basic foundation all prove the progress.
The introspection after the Asian games
Nanfang Daily: What can we conclude after the three events?
Ibsen: I think Guangzhou ought to build a new image which can combine its tradition and modernity among the Pearl River Delta and the region around.
Yu Kongjian: We should introspect to whom the city development would benefit. We should build it for the lives of citizens not for ourselves.
In expectation of Guangzhou Olympics
Nanfang Daily: What should we show to the world if there were a Guangzhou Olympics in 20 years?
Ibsen: I hope at that time, Guangzhou is a city with open mind, toleration and higher level of industrial chain.
Yu Kongjian: I really hope the future Guangzhou Olympics will be held by the folk strength. We should bear in mind that holding the Olympic Games is to improve the residents’ life, but not for a show.
