Hangzhou, China, January 6, 2020: The 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Organising Committee has published a New Year poem by renowned local poet Huang Yazhou introducing the city to Asian athletes and promising a warm welcome.
Entitled “A Letter from Hangzhou to Asia”, the award-winning poet enthuses over the New Era of China and looks ahead to “the greatest Asian Games ever to be hosted by Hangzhou”.
The poem begins: “Do you hear the call of Hangzhou, my friends from every corner of Asia? In the name of the 2022 Asian Games, Hangzhou is calling.”
The poem introduces the city, capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China, to Asian athletes, pointing out the Grand Canal, the Qiantang River and, the most famous tourist site of all, the West Lake. It also states that Hangzhou is a modern and “smart” city, full of technological innovations and a hub of e-commerce.
“My dear friends, the Hangzhou people extend their heartfelt welcome to you, for you will inject new life into the city,” the poem continues.
“We welcome you, athletes from across Asia, with open arms.
“As you come, 2022 will be an extraordinary year, marking an exciting milestone for the city in its strides ahead.”
Huang Yazhou is a poet, essayist and screenplay writer. He was born in Hangzhou in 1949. He has published over 30 books, including 21 poetry collections.
The OCA’s 19th Asian Games will take place from September 10-25, 2022.
Read the poem here:
https://www.hangzhou2022.cn/2022yyhEn/presscenter/spotnews/LatestNews/202001/t20200104_10211.shtml