Shenyang Olympic Center. [File photo: beijing2008.cn]

 Shenyang is the capital city in Liaoning province and also the largest city in Northeast China. In 2008, Shenyang will host eight football games, including preliminaries and semifinals. These games will be held between August 6 and August 16.

When you take a taxi in Shenyang, never mention football in front of the taxi driver - not if you don't want to stimulate a passionate, enthusiastic, and a slightly cynical speech on the state of Chinese football, that is. Speaking of Football, Shenyangers couldn't be more proud of their local team.

Their Wulihe Stadium, recently pulled down and rebuilt, is always considered the "Blessed Place" for China's football. In 2001, Wulihe Stadium was the place where China's national team, after 44 years of waiting, finally kicked open the heavy door to the World Cup, entering the finals in 2002.

Shenyang is indeed the "Blessed Place" for Chinese football. It's the city in China where you can feel the greatest passion for the beautiful game.