The closing ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games. [Photo by Fa Xin/Hangzhou Daily]

From the construction of city infrastructure to the quality of governance, from the business environment to the lives of residents, the Asian Games has had a major effect on Hangzhou.

The dazzling Games, beyond being a spectacle of sportsmanship, has offered a plethora of experiences.

According to estimates, from 2016 to 2020, preparations for the Asian Games contributed approximately 414.1 billion yuan ($58 billion) to Hangzhou's GDP, boosted fiscal revenue by about 103.3 billion yuan, and created working opportunities to roughly 670,000 people.

The Games has also elevated the role of cultural, sports, and tourism consumption. Hangzhou experienced the most significant influx of tourists in recent years during the event, with the number of out-of-town visitors surpassing 20 million.

Amid the tourism boom, the creation of integrated cultural, sports, and tourism products, efforts to boost consumption, and the cultivation of integrated brands have unlocked substantial economic value along the sports, culture, and entertainment industrial chain.

As the saying goes, "The most unforgettable memories are in Hangzhou; when will I revisit?" We anticipate that the dividends from the major event will ignite more development vitality and consumer potential in the city, paving the way for a brighter future.

A night view of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center complex. [Photo by Fa Xin/Hangzhou Daily]