The Beijing News:

In recent years, frugality has been advocated in hosting sporting competitions. How can Harbin guarantee the smooth progress of all events while ensuring frugality to the maximum extent? Thank you.

Wang Hesheng:

Thank you for your question. The 9th Asian Winter Games will continue to center on the sporting events. Considering the long-term use after the Games, the high-quality facilities and resources, while meeting the needs of the event, will be used afterwards by the public and tourists.

In terms of venue construction, there will be no large-scale demolition. Instead, existing venues and facilities will be renovated and upgraded in aspects such as cold air and heat supply, dehumidification, lighting and internet access to meet the needs of the events. Regarding the snow events, we have made necessary upgrades based on existing skiing courses, and only revamped and expanded two special-purpose venues, namely the freeski big air and ski slopestyle venues. By the end of September, all the sports venues and reception hotels have been renovated and passed the final inspection. Existing equipment and facilities in the venues can be fully utilized, and the current ice resurfacers, snowmobiles, protective nets, medical rescue facilities and other equipment in the Yabuli snow competition zone will all be put into use. The venue for the opening and closing ceremonies can not only be used for economic and trade exhibitions, but also function as a space for events such as national fitness, sporting events and commercial performances. After the 9th Asian Winter Games, all the venues will open to the public with higher standards, better environment and improved functions, playing a greater role in professional training, sporting events and mass sports development, consolidating and expanding the achievement of having 300 million people participating in winter sports and meeting the needs of urban development and citizens.

In terms of the development of informatization, we will mainly focus on the needs of the Games, and prioritize technical fields that meet the demands of diversified application scenarios, to guarantee services for fast data transmission, high-definition live broadcasting, immersive spectator experience and security.

In terms of the torch relay, we have optimized the route, streamlined the scale, shortened the duration and reduced the number of torchbearers, which will not only lessen the impact on citizens, but also fully demonstrate Harbin's natural scenery, cultural characteristics and the city's charms. This time, both banks of the Songhua River will be important relay routes, which will not only showcase the magnificent natural beauty there, but also minimize the impact on public travel.

Regarding the opening and closing ceremonies, we will control the performance duration and cast sizes, promoting the Olympic spirit through creativity and innovation. We will prepare the ceremonies with care rather than extravagance, making them streamlined but not simplistic, economical yet spectacular. Thank you.