Visitors get a kick out of Jinhua

A centuries-old sport, sepak takraw is believed to have been influenced by an ancient form of the Chinese game cuju, in which a group of players would kick a ball among themselves and aim to keep it in the air for as long as possible.

Modern sepak takraw is immensely popular in Southeast Asia. Also known as "kick volleyball", it is played by using the feet, knees, shoulders and head to touch the ball.

Close to Jinhua's Huhaitang Lake, described by locals as the "green lung "of the city, stands Jinhua Sports Centre Gymnasium.

The dynamic wavy lines of the building's architecture and the glittering water of the lake combine to present a perfect blend of vitality and tranquility.

The shell-shaped gymnasium, with a 5,800 capacity, holds massive appeal for local sports fans. It is the venue for sepak takraw, where six gold medals are up for grabs.

Locals have reaped manifold benefits from the hosting of the Games, since venues such as the gymnasium can be accessed free of charge, or at a nominal cost, for over 12 hours every day.

According to official statistics, some 1.8 million residents visited the venues to take part in sporting activities between January and July this year.

Apart from the competition venues, one of the Asian Games' five sub-villages is located in Jinhua.

Featuring a landscape garden that showcases local architecture, the sub-village provides a wide variety of services, including accommodation, catering and fitness facilities, among others.

Distinctive architecture is only a small part of Jinhua's rich cultural heritage.

Li Qingzhao (1084-1155), widely recognized as China's greatest female poet, lived in Jinhua for a period of time in the later part of her life and composed some of the most memorable poems about the place, including On Bayong Tower and To the Tune of "Spring in Wuling".