By Zheng Yi
The local government in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, is aiming to increase public curiosity ahead of the Asian Games, as it plans to send letters of appreciation to residents in addition to launching various measures such as free transportation and access to the games.
The initiatives involve residents in ten districts and two counties of Guangzhou, migrants living in Guangzhou for more than half a year, and construction workers engaged in jobs relating to the Asian Games.
Guangzhou Daily reported on Tuesday that the authorities will be offering local people a three-day public holiday, as well as free bus and subway transportation for 30 work days.
In addition, more than two million residents will win free tickets for the event by a lucky draw.
According to Guangzhou Daily, the city's residents will also be entitled to a 50% to 80% discount at tourist spots between November 12 and 14 and December 12 and 13.
From November 11 to December 20, 13 stadiums will be open free of charge to the residents, and more than one million tickets - including tickets to see movies and cultural exhibitions - as well as tickets for the Asian Games themselves, will be given free to the public by lucky draw.
Special groups - including those with certain severe disabilities and low income residents - will be eligible for an allowance of 500 yuan ($71) from the government, and schools in Guangzhou will receive souvenirs from the government.
In addition, residents and visitors in Guangzhou will be able to enjoy free WLAN from November 1 to December 31.
According to Ouyang Yongsheng, the deputy director of the general administrative office of Guangzhou government, these initiatives are aimed at increasing enthusiasm for the Asian Games.
Zhang Chunlong, a teacher at the Guangdong Vocational Institute of Sport, told the Global Times that he supports the moves, as they will "not only attract many residents to join in the volunteer work of the Asian Games but also facilitate Guangzhou residents' daily lives."
But a Guangzhou resident surnamed Yang disagreed: "I don't think the government should waste money on raising the popularity of the Asian Games, they should spend money in the construction of the city."
