QINGDAO: "Qingdao has benefited a lot from hosting the Olympic Sailing Regatta, which made the city a well-known brand as a 'sailing city'," said Xia Geng, mayor of the coastal city in east China's Shandong province.

"Although the Olympic regatta is finished, it will leave Qingdao a huge legacy, including the sporting facilities and the cultural progress the city has made in years of preparation for the Games," Xia said.

The mayor believes the pleasant environment and improved social habits of its citizens will continue to be symbols of Qingdao.