In September 2001, shortly after its successful bidding, Beijing successfully hosted the 21st University Games. It was the first time a Chinese city had hosted international comprehensive games. In spite of lack of experience, Beijing fulfilled its promise to “make the Beijing Universiade the best in its history” with its earnest, determination, confidence and persistent efforts.
The newly built Universiade Village covers a total floorspace of 220,000 sq m, with 38,000 star-grade rooms, and is fully equipped with various facilities including broadband, which allow over 10,000 people to dine and recreate in the village. The 21st Universiade created a number of records in the Universiade history: the largest number of participating states and regions, with 169 delegations, seven more than the record kept by the 1995 Fukuoka (Japan) Universiade; the largest number of participants, with more than 6,800 athletes, coaches and officials, 500 more than the last Las Palmas (Spain) Universiade; the largest number of journalists and judges; the most enthusiastic audience; the highest box-office income, which was 21 million yuan; the longest torch relay route, which was over 20,000 km, and participated by nearly 300,000 students from over 200 colleges and universities, the largest number ever.
