Guangzhou residents are putting the finishing touches on what China hopes will be a spectacular Asian Games. Many volunteers and organizers have implemented drastic measures to make sure the city is clean and that cars are kept moving on the roads.
Authorities in the city have restricted the movement of cars over four days a week to vehicles' numbered plates. Registrations ending in an odd number will be allowed on the road on odd days of the month. If a license plate finishes with a even number, it can be driven on calendar days that are even numbers.
Restrictions come into force from 8 am to 8 pm and there are also two reserved roads for dignitaries, organizers and athletes. The restrictions have only been in force for one day and it has received mixed reviews.
"The restriction covers the whole city. As local residents in Guangzhou, it is a good thing and should be supported," said one car owner surnamed Yang.
"If the restrictions continue in future, it will not be convenient for people who have cars. Especially when you have just one, we wont be able to drive," said another car owner named Liu.
Volunteers throughout the city are lending a helping hand to brighten Guangzhou's image. "I feel very good. We work on behalf of the volunteer family. And we can grow in order to get more families involved," said Guangzhou resident Li Minyan.
While the stadiums are made spotless, China's national shooting team are hitting the mark in qualification rounds for the event. Female Rifler Sun Qi from Gansu had the best cross hair eyes and will compete at the games.
"I am very excited for sure. It is the first time I will compete at an Asian Games. Apart from excitement, I also feel tired. It's been nearly ten days, three competitions, and it's exhausting," said Sun Qi, a shooting squad member.
Olympic champion Guo Wenjun finished second and failed to qualify. But she has another chance to make the grade at another event later this month.
In men's event, Cao Yifei and Yu Jikang were ranked the top two contenders. However, Zhu Qinan is the first male to be selected after qualifying for the London Olympics.
