Thanks to massive preparation efforts, leaders of the world’s top 20 economies will descend on Hangzhou, a city polished and preened to near perfection – as well as eerily emptied.
Guaranteeing blue skies
More than 200 industrial facilities have been closed down since the end of August to ensure Hangzhou’s skies are clear of China’s notorious industrial smog for the duration of the event. Orders were issued to cut all air pollutant-causing factories within a 300 km radius of Hangzhou.
A Chinese staff member mops the floor outside the Hangzhou International Expo Center, the main venue for the G20 summit, 02 September 2016. (AAP) Source: AAP
Facelift for Hangzhou
The city of just under 9 million has been given an express facelift in the lead-up to the grand event. Hundreds of trees have been planted, roads rebuilt and facades renovated. Fake balconies have also reportedly been added to cover unsightly air-conditioning units in view from major avenues. But it’s not all superficial. Brand new three-storey homes have also been constructed for a number of residents living in one of the city’s low-income communities.
A woman cleans the glass window near clay figures of Chinese President Xi Jinping and other foreign leaders displayed at a shop in Hangzhou. (AAP) Source: AAP
Week-long vacation
All residents have been given a week-long vacation and coupons for discounted or free access to tourist attractions outside Hangzhou. Those who would rather not holiday have been told to stay at home. Tourists have also been discouraged from visiting.
On a typical day Hangzhou’s iconic West Lake is so crowded that a stroll around it is almost impossible. During the G20 period the famous tourist sight is empty save for security personnel.
Security guards armed with tools for restraining an attacker walk past a bronze Buddha statue in Hangzhou, Sept. 1, 2016. (AAP) Source: AAP
Security lockdown
Police vehicles are roaming the city streets, while rifle-toting guards keep watch from rooftops above. Transport hubs are being tightly monitored and rigorous check points have been installed around key venues and sites. Parcels are being restricted and heavily scrutinised, while gas barrels commonly used in local kitchens and restaurants cannot be delivered, forcing many establishments to close.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's arrival is broadcasted on a screen at the G20 media centre, 02 September 2016. (AAP) Source: AAP
Migrant worker exodus
Many of the cities migrant workers have been ordered out for the G20. Uighur restaurant staff have reportedly specifically been told to leave the city for the duration of the event for fear of connections to extremist of terrorist groups.
Honour guards of the People's Liberation Army wait for the arrival of foreign delegations, 02 September 2016. (AAP) Source: AAP
A song for the spectacle
To top off the fresh paint and flowers used to decorate the city, government officials have commissioned a special G20 anthem to sing of the city’s charms. English lyrics include lines such as “Here is our home, heaven on earth… Where we all come to realise our dream and colour our lives.”
