Liu Pingsheng, deputy director of the Universiade executive office speaks during a press conference. [Photo by Chen Chao/China Daily]

SHENZHEN - More than half the events at the Universiade have finished, and that means the Universiade Village is more than halfway through its brief but colorful life.

Since it opened on Aug 6, the Village has been operating smoothly, Xuan Zhuxi, the deputy mayor of the Village, said at a press conference.

"So far, we've heard many positive and excellent comments about the Universiade Village, from athletes, team officials and our officials," Xuan said.

"One of our principles is to make all the athletes and other delegation members feel like they are at home in this Village. And I'm glad we've reached that goal."

By Aug 18, the Village had welcomed 10,615 people - 7,003 athletes and 3,612 team officials – said Liu Pingsheng, deputy director of the Universiade Executive Office. "No Universiade Village has had that many guests before," Liu said.

At the conference, Liu summarized different aspects of the Village operations and pointed out some highlights.

"Many people have said they were impressed by the food in the dining hall, which runs 24/7," he said.

"During dining hours, the dining hall offers 145 courses, 70 percent Western food and 30 percent from Asia and other areas. The supply of food is so plentiful that there are no crowds and no waiting in line."

Liu also mentioned people's comments about the dormitory and the various art performances in the Village.

"The 5,228 rooms in the six accommodation buildings have offered Village guests the warmth of home, while the performances have given them a chance to learn about Chinese culture, to have fun, and also to build up the communication among youngsters from all over the world."

At the conference there were also deputies from 13 departments of the Village committee, such as the media department, security department, transport department, religious service department and information technology department. Each deputy reported on the work of his or her departments.

One thing they all said was that in the Village there are many stories happening every day - some touching, some warm.

"The operation of each department is all very complex and detailed," Ying Shihong, deputy director of the media department in the Village, said. "But it's really the hard work and various stories from people behind the scenes, such as the volunteers, add to Village life every day."

Ying said there were also difficulties in keeping the Village running. "We have to make sure every detail is right, and that may sound easy but it takes lots of effort from everyone."

As for whether the Village will be open for public visits after the Universiade, Ying said, due to a plan devised beforehand, the Village will be handed over to the Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology to be used as a new campus. He said he was not sure whether there would be time for public visits.