Athletes, organizers and volunteers combine to shine

"From the opening ceremony on July 8 until the closing ceremony on Sunday, the Youth Games welcomed about 28,000 athletes and officials, which was a heavy work load for us," said Zhang Fuming, vice-governor of Shanxi province.

"We had to make comprehensive preparations for security, food and medical safety, volunteer services and the Games' broadcasting and communication services."

Thanks to the state-of-the-art athletes' village in Taiyuan, the competitors enjoyed first-class service.

Located beside Shanxi Sports Center Stadium, the 160,000-square-meter village is comprised of 15 buildings, with 1,900 rooms and 9,500 beds. Each room is equipped with new furniture and appliances, including a TV, air conditioner and washing machine.

The complex also features comprehensive support facilities such as gyms, a medical center, volunteer center, a 3,620-seat canteen and an culture interaction center that offered activities such as traditional ceramics, Chinese Go, paper cutting and even stage dramas.