QINGDAO: The ongoing Olympic sailing competition has attracted tourists and fans from all over the world to this coastal city in Shandong province.

In addition to a spectator breakwater that can accommodate nearly 10,000 people, the nearby Olympic Sailing Center is a magnet to thousands of residents and visitors.

Louise Georgsen and Iben Stubbe wearing Dannebrog T-shirts are eye-catching among the spectators.

'We will stay in Qingdao for a week, traveling around and cheering for our team. The city is so beautiful,' said Georgsen.

'Qingdao is a brilliant city. I like it very much. I think our sailors can win three to four gold medals here,' said Philip Anderson from Britain, an enthusiastic sailing fan.

Scenic spots such as the May 4th Square near the sailing venue and the Badaguan area famous for its European style architecture are host to numerous foreign tours daily.

Many visitors choose to swim and enjoy the sun at the First Bathing Beach.

'The most charming for me is the contrast between two parts - the old and the modern,' said Nadia Lysjuk from Russia.

'People here are smiling, very shiny with Chinese faces, happy and energetic. It leaves one of the brightest impressions of my life,' she added.

Olivier Fleitz from France said Qingdao is like the south of his country.

'The city is a good destination for tourists. We have the sea, the mountains. The weather is very nice,' he said.

Visitors and spectators speak highly of the services and facilities provided by the local government.

'People here are very friendly. There are many volunteers on the streets. They really help a lot,' said Zhuang Ruming from Beijing.

Altogether 1,000 city volunteers and 10,000 from all walks of life are offering help on the streets, providing consulting, emergency aid and language services.

A multilingual call center was set up to provide language services for the tourists. The 100 volunteers working in the center can answer calls in eight languages, including English, Japanese and Spanish.

According to Wang Jiangong, director general of the city's tourism bureau, the Olympic regatta will attract more visitors by promoting the city's reputation worldwide.

In recent years, Qingdao's tourism witnessed a growth rate of 33.4 percent each year. Last year, one million foreign visitors flocked to the city.

Wang said that the local government invested 5.3 billion yuan ($771.2 million) to refurbish and upgrade more than 100 star hotels and travel agencies before the Games.

(China Daily August 19, 2008)