Accessible shuttle buses will ensure athletes enjoy the smoothest possible stay in the Asian Para Games Village. WANG CHUAN/FOR CHINA DAILY/WANG GANG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

Ready to cater to the diverse needs of athletes, the Asian Para Games Village is a paragon of accessibility and convenience

From Braille-equipped elevator buttons to accessible handrails in the restrooms, and the extensive network of tactile pathways laid out throughout the various zones, the Hangzhou Asian Para Games Village is designed to be the perfect living space for athletes.
Spanning 325,000 square meters, in just one week, the village has undergone a transformation from the Media Village of Hangzhou Asian Games.
Officially opening its doors on Oct 16, the village has 3,446 rooms for the delegations participating in the Asian Para Games.
Majid Rashed, president of the Asian Paralympic Committee, attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games Village, and said it would allow athletes to feel right at home.
He said that this edition of the Asian Para Games will convey a powerful message: People with impairment can also achieve greatness.
By changing society's perceptions of individuals with impairment, we hope to create more opportunities, forge more alliances, and collectively build a more inclusive society, Rashed added.
Humanistic care and consideration are deeply embedded in the design of the village.
Tactile paving allows access to all facilities, and signs are marked in Braille. Within the residential areas, comprehensive Braille instructions and location maps are provided, enabling athletes to easily navigate around the Asian Para Games Village.

A specially adapted fitness center will ensure athletes enjoy the smoothest possible stay in the Asian Para Games Village. WANG CHUAN/FOR CHINA DAILY/WANG GANG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

Additionally, more than 30 shuttle buses are available around the clock to provide uninterrupted transportation services.
Meticulous design is evident in every single detail. For instance, considering the one to two centimeter height difference between the interior and exterior of the rooms, rubber ramps have been installed to ensure wheelchair accessibility, while protective strips adorn the corners of walls. In addition, the beds are adjustable to accommodate varying heights.
In the dining hall, tables and chairs are custom designed, with their dimensions carefully tailored to accommodate the average specifications of wheelchairs.
"All the visible food counters have been designed in accordance with the standards of the Asian Para Games athletes' dining hall," said Han Qiang, deputy director of the food services center at the Asian Para Games Village.
The dining hall's service counters are set at a slightly lower height than usual.
"This adjustment is made with the convenience of wheelchair-bound athletes in mind, as they place their trays on their laps when collecting meals. A counter that is too high could create significant difficulties," Han explained.
"All dishes are pre-plated. As a result, athletes simply need to choose their preferred dishes according to their tastes and needs. Our staff then place these dishes into their trays, making the process of collecting and enjoying their meal hassle-free."
Food is served from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next day, running for about 20 hours each day.
"Our closing times are flexible and adjusted to fit the athletes' dining schedules. We're here for them as long as they need us," he said.
The fitness center, spanning an area of approximately 600 sq m, shines as a focal point of the village.
The facility has been designed to cater to the training routines of para athletes and their coaches, integrating cutting-edge training principles. It boasts dedicated zones for aerobic workouts, fixed and free-weight training, and a multifunctional area capable of accommodating approximately 60 athletes simultaneously.

Dining hall will ensure athletes enjoy the smoothest possible stay in the Asian Para Games Village. WANG CHUAN/FOR CHINA DAILY/WANG GANG/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

Professional trainers are also on hand to provide competitors with the best possible event preparation, tailoring their support to the specific needs of each athlete.
In the smart experience area located in front of the gym, athletes can engage in interactive activities such as "Exploring Hangzhou Through My Lens", "Learn Chinese with Me "and "Joyful Memories of Hangzhou".
In the realm of leisure and entertainment, the Asian Para Games Village presents a "Love Without Barriers" activity space, which will encompass curated cultural performances.
Visitors can explore the creations of nearly 100 artists with impairment who have demonstrated their independence and resilience through various art forms, including fan paintings, oil-paper umbrellas, and woodblock printing techniques.
Moreover, the village offers innovative activities such as physical therapy, traditional Chinese massage, an "intelligent prosthesis" experience, and 3D video-guided tai chi practice of the Eight Pieces of Brocade qigong exercise, providing a rich and inclusive experience for all.