Photo taken on Sept. 1 shows the exterior of the Main Media Centre of the Hangzhou Asian Games. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

HANGZHOU, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- With just about a week until the 19th Asian Games kick off in Hangzhou, the Main Media Centre (MMC) officially began operations on Monday.

Photo taken on Sept. 1 shows the tea break area inside the Main Media Centre of the Hangzhou Asian Games. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Situated near the main stadium of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, the venue for the Games' opening ceremony, the MMC spans an expansive area of nearly 50,000 square meters. This space is segmented into various sections, including the Main Press Centre (MPC) and the International Broadcasting Centre (IBC).

Photo taken on Sept. 1 shows the public working room inside the Main Media Centre of the Hangzhou Asian Games. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Inside the MMC, media personnel can access a range of facilities such as a medical station, a bookstore, and a post office, ensuring swift and efficient services.

The cultural exhibition area, located in the MMC's lobby, showcases elements of Chinese art, including traditional paintings and celadon. These displays are imbued with the distinctive characteristics of both Chinese culture and Hangzhou.

The 19th Asian Games are scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, from September 23 to October 8. The event will feature a total of 40 sports.