Going the extra smile

With elite athletic performances, unique local culture and cute mascots making it a complete package, the FISU World University Games in Chengdu are serving up a real treat for spectators and visitors to Sichuan's capital city.

As the first major international sporting event held in China following the pandemic, organizers of the games have gone the extra mile to impress the world, making this 12-day celebration of youth and sports a fun and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Some of China's most fascinating cultural elements, such as the face-changing stunts of Sichuan Opera, and local specialties including panda-inspired souvenirs and hot pot, have brought color to the competition venues. Whether on the sidelines or in the stands, the cultural highlights are keeping audiences entertained while promoting Chengdu's image as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

The passion and enthusiasm of locals have been equally impressive.

 ▲[Photo/China Daily]

According to the organizing committee, almost all the tickets released since the first phase of sales began on June 16 were sold out by July 24, with an additional 287,000 tickets made available last week being snapped up quickly.

The surging demand has made the scramble for tickets an even fiercer contest than the actual competitions, as local sports fans try to grab tickets for specific sessions following each release.

"I registered on the ticketing platform right after it was launched and had tried to buy tickets for the Chinese women's basketball team's opening game. It sold out in just 20 minutes, so I was so lucky to get one," said Hu Yongjie, a sophomore from Sichuan University.

"The experience was electrifying and it proved to be a totally worthwhile experience," he added.

The opportunity to watch some of the world's best athletes at the university games, such as China's towering women's hoops star Han Xu, a WNBA player with the New York Liberty, was too good to miss, added Hu.

Both foreign and domestic visitors who spend their holidays in Chengdu during the games can be sure of a pleasant trip as they acquaint themselves with the local culture of Sichuan province.

Wowing the world with Friday's opening ceremony, the fascinating Sichuan Opera face-changing performances, known as "bian lian", continue to steal the show at the competition venues.

Performers wearing colored masks, typically depicting well-known historical characters, have been interacting with spectators during competition breaks, switching their masks in the blink of an eye to thrill.

The Chengdu games' official mascot Rongbao, a panda-shaped doll, is also helping to generate a fun atmosphere at venues, with volunteers donning panda costumes entertaining the crowds.