Media center readies for World University Games

The main media center for the 31st Summer World University Games began trial operations in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Thursday, opening its doors to journalists.

As a non-competition venue for the media, the center — which will operate around the clock starting on July 25 — will provide services in language, transportation, catering, technology and other facilities required for event coverage.

The center includes a media workshop, a news conference area and media interview rooms. The workshop is equipped with large LED screens and TVs for journalists to watch the opening and closing ceremonies and the live broadcast of competitions.

The media restaurant on the second floor of the center provides both Chinese and Western food.

According to Fu Xiaoxi, manager of the media service group, the restaurant has 354 seats for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks.

To provide a relaxed environment for journalists, the center has prepared a variety of intangible cultural heritage activities, including Sichuan Opera face changing and sugar painting.

During the Games, Liu Pengcheng, a young sugar artist from Meishan, Sichuan, will display his skills daily. He will use brewed maltose to draw images of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.

His sugar painting skills were passed down within his family, and his grandfather and father both worked in the field.

The Games will be held in Chengdu from July 28 to Aug 8 after being deferred twice due to COVID-19 pandemic.