The 12th Chinese National Games are set to officially open in Shenyang, capital of northeast China’s Liaoning Province. The organizing committee says the event will be a simple and economical one, without great extravagance.
Since the 6th National Games in 1987, the opening ceremony has always been held at night. This year, however, it will be held during the day, without lights or fireworks, and celebrity performances. Instead, people will take part in mass gymnastics and Taichi ceremony, as a way of encouraging more public participation.
Meanwhile, the number of delegations and athletes is also smaller. Nearly all the newly-built training centers and gyms are on campuses.
The organizing committee says the games' overall expenditure has been cut by nearly 80 percent, compared with the planned budget.