HAIYANG, East China - China launches its first National Beach Sports base Thursday in Haiyang, host city of the 2012 Asian Beach Games.

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The base, where the 2012 Asian Beach Games will be held, locates in the beach of Haiyang city along the shore of the Yellow Sea.

Covering an area of 445 hectares, the base is one of the best places for beach sports in China for its soft sand and comfortable weather.

"The base is suitable for both beach sports and public fitness. I hope it will be helpful to popularize beach games," says Yang Shuan, deputy director of China's General Administration of Sports.