BEIJING, Aug. 7 -- The Weightlifting Hall of Beijing Olympics, Beihang University Gymnasium, has become a fitness center for Beijing citizens.

    Fan Yizhi, deputy director of Beihang University Gymnasium, said since July the main venue was renovated by removing the curtain wall built for weightlifting games, and by cleaning up the Olympic logos. The project is expected to be completed before the National Day which falls on Oct. 1.

    The ancillary hall, as athlete's lounge and staff's dining area during the Olympic Games, has been restored as a badminton venue. During the summer holidays, a lot of students, teachers and local citizens have come and played here.

    SOUNDBITE: Gao Nan, coach of Badminton Club with Beihang University "Further decoration will make it more suitable for holding sports events, but I think the venue is very excellent in height, area and location."

    SOUNDBITE: a student with Beihang University "After all, this venue is a stadium for the Olympic Games and has been rebuilt before, so the hardware is advanced and first-class."

    In spite of the venue with good facilities, its rent price is not expensive and students can afford.

    SOUNDBITE: a student with China University of Political Science and Law "It's cheaper here, and the consumption level of our students is relatively low. The rent here is only 15 yuan (2.2 U.S. dollars) an hour."

    SOUNDBITE: a student with Beihang University "It usually takes two days to book the place in advance, so we have to get up early in the morning to line up."

    Beihang University Gymnasium is one of the two university venues for the Beijing Olympic Games. With mature operation team and operation programs, the stadium was reused in October last year shortly after the Paralympic Games.

    Fan said, the venue is mainly to meet the needs of teachers and students for teaching and other activities, besides some commercial activities. Up to now, break-even has been reached.

    Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing.