Zhang Guangning, former Party chief of Guangzhou, crushed an Internet rumor that he had committed suicide by participating in a judicial work conference in the capital of Guangdong province on Aug 30.

The 59-year-old had been rumored to have jumped off a building at home.

Rumors alleged Zhang has been under investigation over economic problems in constructing venues for the 16th Asian Games held in Guangzhou in November 2010.

Zhang, a native of East China's Shandong province, left office after Wan Qingliang, former mayor of Guangzhou, succeeded him as Guangzhou Party chief in December 2011.