HSK Exam - Fans and tourists flock to Regatta

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Fans and tourists flock to Regatta
By Zhao Ruixue
Updated: 2007-08-18 07:15


QINGDAO: The 2007 Qingdao International Regatta is in full swing. More
than 300 competitors from nearly 50 countries and regions are vying for
medals, and the exceptional spectacle provides a feast for the eyes.

Qingdao is the first city in China to open its Olympic venues to the
public, with tens of thousands of people attending the regatta.

"It's a hard-won chance for Qingdao to hold the 2008 Olympic Sailing
Competition. From the TV and newspapers, I know Qingdao is building up
its image of a 'Sailing City'. Standing here, I find Qingdao is far more
astounding than expected," Zhao Chunhui from Shenzhen said.

"I have come here to cheer for the Chinese team," Gao Cong, a student on
vacation, said. "I believe the Chinese team will win honors for our
country."

The competition is also attracting droves of overseas tourists.

"I like the environment, food and people in Qingdao very much," Peter
Michael Becker, a German student living in Beijing, said.

Tourists from home and abroad swarmed into Qingdao not only for the
sailing but to enjoy the changes brought by the Olympics. Qingdao plans
to invest 78 billion yuan ($10 billion) in large-scale construction.

Being a co-host city of the 2008 Beijing Olympics has earned Qingdao
numerous opportunities to hold large-scale conferences, exhibitions and
competitions, such as the China International Violin Competition, and the
2007 China International Consumer Electronics Show.

World-class activities being held in the city have contributed to tourism
development, including an influx of wealthy tourists.

According to information provided by the Qingdao Tourism Administration
(QTA), the number of overseas tourists is growing at 20 percent per year.

"It is predicted that overseas tourists will exceed one million while
domestic tourists will reach 29 million in 2007. Gross income from
tourism is expected to hit 39 billion ($5.2 billion), up 20 percent
compared with last year," said Wang Jiangong, QTA director.

(China Daily 08/18/2007 page12)

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