Dongguan: Heavy Legacy 

As the effects of the global recession slowly fade away in China, it has become common on the streets of Dongguan to see signs soliciting employees, with some even reading “Welcome Back Former Employees.” The city has long had a reputation as the “World’s Factory.” In the Dongguan Gymnasium, a banner from the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) finals remains as evidence of the fierce competition that took place there. The gym will serve as the venue for weightlifting during the Asian Games.

 Many have wondered why a CBA venue was chosen to host weightlifting. A tour of Shilong Town in Dongguan will shed more light on the decision. The township has proved an ideal origin for some of China’s strongest sons and daughters, including Chen Jingkai, the country’s first world record holder since the founding of New China, Zeng Guoqiang, China’s first Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting, and Chen Weiqiang, another Olympic champion. The town’s reputation as China’s Weightlifting Capital is certainly well deserved considering it has produced lifters who have earned a combined 19 world records, 29 world championships, 26 Asia titles, and 59 national gold medals.

Shanwei: Water Sports 

Shanwei is a small, tranquil city on the shores of eastern Guangdong. It can easily be confused with Shantou, a Special Economic Zone, due to sharing the same character. Shanwei is often mentioned in the same breath as Peng Pai, who led a peasant movement during the 1920s.

The geography of Zhelang in Shanwei resembles South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, which makes it an ideal location for aquatic competition and training. It will host sailing events during the Asian Games.

Additionally, the area is home to several popular tourist attractions such as the Temple of Goddess Matsu of the Sea and Yuanshan Temple on Mt. Xuanwu.