Refocused Shanxi rising from ashes of its industrial past

On Aug 10, the soccer competition of the Second National Youth Games was held at Xishan Aoshen Sports City in Taiyuan, Shanxi province.

Comprised of four 11-a-side and three five-a-side pitches, the modern complex, complete with red seats, green turf and colorful runways, is a symbol of rebirth in an area that had previously been little more than a disposal site for toxic chemicals and other harmful substances.

"Before, there was nothing here but an abandoned storehouse," said Wang Chunkai, a cleaner who has lived in the area formerly known as Shangyeyu village for decades.