Though Hangzhou in East China's Zhejiang province has seen scorching hot weather in recent days, local residents' interest in national fitness has surged with the opening of a number of Asian Games sporting venues.

As of July 8, 54 of the Games' 56 competition venues and more than half of the 31 training venues had opened to the public. Online booking is also available via the "Zheliban" mobile app or Alipay mobile payment app. Mini-programs embedded within the WeChat instant messaging app, such as AI Dynamic Hangzhou and Dynamic Huanglong, are also able to book specific venues.

The opening of the venues is a part of Hangzhou's efforts to encourage national fitness and benefit the public.

A resident surnamed Zhou, who lives near West Lake, said he no longer runs along the picturesque scenic spot but on professional courses at the newly-completed Huanglong Sports Center.

"The stadium is new and perfect for running, bringing out a stronger and friendlier atmosphere for exercising. If it were not for the Hangzhou Asian Games, I might not have gotten the chance to experience such a good stadium," Zhou said.

A child plays squash at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center on July 2. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]

A track cycling venue in Hangzhou opens to the public. [Photo/hangzhou2022.cn]