Guangzhou's infrastructure will be upgraded once construction is complete, and 15 townships in suburban areas of the city are expected to be developed into more satellite areas by 2010.

Here's deputy mayor Xu Ruisheng.

"The city government is carrying out its promise to provide all the necessary conditions and guarantee a successful Asian Games."

It is expected that more than 100,000 visitors will stay in the city and use Guangzhou's public transportation facility during the Asian Games in 2010.

In order to meet those needs, Guangzhou will build high-capacity public transportation facilities, such as bus routes, subways, railways and seaports.

By 2010, Guangzhou will have at least nine subway lines stretching nearly 230 kilometers.

The bus rapid transit line from downtown's Tianhe Road to Zhongshan Avenue is set to be complete before the Games and will be the first trial of Guangzhou's new public transport system.

At the same time, the city plans to protect its environment as it prepares for the games.

According to the blueprint, coverage of trees and grass will reach 45 percent by 2010, or 15 square meters of per capita greenery.

The great changes that have taken place over the past several years in the city have impressed local residents, including Yang Jingsi.

"Guangzhou has become much cleaner than before. Transportation conditions have been improved remarkably and there are less traffic jams. Plants and flower pots decorate the main roads and traffic crossings, which are very impressive. Moreover, all the parks are open free of charge allowing visitors more space for leisure in the city."

Guangzhou will also invest more than 7 billion yuan by 2010 in building cultural facilities, including a big library, a history museum, a ballet theater, a sculpture garden and exhibition centers.