Speech of Xian Rongsheng, Vice Mayor of Chengdu, on 7 August 2022

Congratulations on the success of the 11th World Games in 2022 in Birmingham, US! We thank the International World Games Association for your faith in Chengdu and we have the confidence and capability to hold and make the 12th World Games in 2025 another great success.
As the capital of Sichuan province and a national central city, located in the hinterland of Chengdu Plain in Southwest China, with mild climate and distinctive four seasons, Chengdu is China's important center of economy and of science and technology, a world-famous cultural city, an international gateway hub and is the demonstration zone of park city.

  • Chengdu, a city of positiveness and inclusiveness. With two international airports - Tianfu International Airport and Shuangliu International Airport and 131 international air routes, Chengdu has the 4th greatest global aerial connectivity. 21 foreign countries have been approved to set up consulates in Chengdu and it has paired with 104 international sister cities and friendship cities. The international block trains have connected Chengdu to 68 Eurasian cities.
  • Chengdu, a city of innovation and creativity. As one of China's first batch of innovation-oriented cities, with 3.44 million market entities, Chengdu is praised as the fourth largest city of innovation and entrepreneurship in China. It has 312 Fortune 500 companies settled here and realized a GDP over USD 295 billion in 2021.
  • Chengdu, a city of friendship and public spirit. It is the City of Gastronomy acknowledged by UNESCO and the Best Tourist City in China. Over 20,000 foreign residents from 160 countries and regions have settled here. It received over 3.8 million overseas tourist visits last year. For 13 years in a row, it has been top in the ranking of China's Happiest Cities.
  • Chengdu, a city of elegance and fashion. Home to giant pandas, it hosts world natural and cultural heritages like Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan Irrigation System renowned both at home and abroad. Chengdu ranks 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in the number of bookshops, museums and coffee shops among cities in China. Thus it has the name card - Chengdu: a vibrant and hospitable park city with snowy mountain view.

Chengdu is one of China's cities with the largest population engaged in sports. With 31 large-scale stadiums and 35 sports parks, it is the "Gold Host City" and "City of Outstanding Contribution" recognized by FIBA, ITTF, ITF, the International Triathlon Union and the World Dance Sport Federation. Many international high-level sports games are going to be held in Chengdu, including the 56th World Team Table Tennis Championships in 2022, Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games in 2023, the Thomas Cup & Uber Cup Badminton World Team Championships in 2024, etc. Chengdu will work closely with the International World Games Association and try its best to present the world with a safe, wonderful and unique sports event.

The 21 million Chengdu citizens are eagerly looking forward to the coming of athletes from all over the world! We are ready and see you in Chengdu in 2025!

Xian Rongsheng, Vice Mayor of Chengdu
August 7, 2022

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