China successfully defended its men’s 4x100m relay title at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, with veteran sprinter Xie Zhenye holding his nerve under pressure on the final leg to bring the team home in first place.
China defended its title in the men’s 4x100m relay on Monday. China's quartet of Xie Zhenye, Zeng Keli, Wang Shengjie and Chen Jinfeng clocked 38.17 seconds to win gold.
In an exclusive interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Tuesday, Xie said that the victory extended China's relay success after its Hangzhou Asian Games triumph, describing the victory as a proud gift to the motherland on the corner of China's National Day.
The anchor leg was the decisive stage of the relay, and Xie said the weight of the team's gold-medal bid rested heavily on his shoulders.
"The anchor leg carries the team's biggest responsibility in the fight for gold, which is the key point for the sprint and the decisive moment. The pressure was quite heavy, but yesterday (Monday), we withstood it well and completed the race. When I crossed the finish line, I thought that I made it, and that we made it. I was really happy and proud of our team," said Xie.
At 33, Xie credited the team's preparation and scientific training for allowing him to keep competing at the highest level and carry the relay's final-leg responsibility.
"The whole team helped me a lot along the way. It was mainly about scientific daily training and completing the training plan with high quality according to the coach's arrangements. Only in this way could I, at 33, still take the final leg and carry the heavy responsibility of the relay," he said.
The relay gold also came as China's young sprinters continue to make their mark, and Xie said that he believes the country's sprinting future is bright.
"Now China's young athletes are becoming more and more impressive. China has seen increasing number of young talents who can run within just over 10 seconds. Compared with Su Bingtian and me, the youngsters now are even more outstanding at the same age. I believe China's sprinting will be stronger in the future. And more Asian sprinters will appear in the final on the world stage," he said.
China retains men's 4x100m relay gold at Nagoya Asian Games as Xie Zhenye delivers on final leg
Chongqing, a municipality in southwestern China, has seen a surge in inbound tourism during the week-long National Day holiday, as overseas visitors flock to experience its iconic mountain landscapes and distinctive cuisine.
Celebrations kicked off Thursday to mark China's National Day, launching the annual "Golden Week" holiday through Oct. 7, as the nation celebrates the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The holiday has boosted daily passenger traffic at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, with daily inbound and outbound trips expected to peak at over 10,000, official data shows.
This influx of travelers has translated into a sharp rise in foot traffic across the city's key scenic spots.
At the hillside Hongyadong scenic area, lights illuminate rows of traditional stilted buildings as night falls. The iconic skyline has become a popular spot for foreign tourists to capture photos and enjoy the night view.
Situated along the Jialing River, the former ancient city gate site has been transformed into a massive multi-tiered complex featuring local restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
"Honestly, we are all really surprised. We weren't expecting such beauty. So yeah, we're really happy about it," said Serravalle Giulia, an Italian tourist.
Beyond the night views, Chongqing's renowned local cuisine is another major draw for international travelers. From riverside dishes and hotpot to traditional street snacks, the city's signature hot, fresh, and savory flavors have won praise from overseas visitors.
"I like its flavor, because it's really strong. It's a completely different diet, because in Italy, we have a lot of carbohydrates. And here, there are a lot of spices, the vegetables and a lot of meat and fish as well. In Italy, too, but it is spicy. This is different," said Consalvo Elaisa, another Italian tourist.
During this year's National Day holiday, Chongqing's scenic areas also launched a series of special activities, including folk performances, allowing foreign tourists to experience diverse Chinese culture.
Meanwhile, hundreds of tax refund shops and currency exchange outlets across the city are making shopping and spending more seamless for international visitors.
The tourism surge reflects the impact of China's continuously optimized entry policies in recent years. Expanded visa-free access, streamlined payment systems, and enhanced port services have made it increasingly convenient for overseas travelers to explore the country.
Inbound tourism surges in Chongqing during National Day holiday
