Chengdu 2021 created an online platform where young people can register to volunteer, and more than 500,000 have now signed up to offer their time.

In excess of 21,000 volunteering projects related to the Games have been published and already more than 1.4 millions hours of volunteering time have been put in, organisers say.

Data generated from the online platform is displayed on a big screen at the Chengdu Youth Volunteer Service Action Centre.

The online system also allows for people to register using messaging service WeChat, earn medals, print out certificates to prove the hours they have contributed and share their volunteering record or projects with acquaintances.

Many volunteer activities are focused on improving public welfare in Chengdu. 

Examples include caring for stray dogs, setting up systems for sharing bicycles and helping the elderly, while professionals ranging from chefs to translators have also been offering their services.

Chengdu 2021 is set to run from August 17 to 29, having been pushed back slightly following the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, meaning there are now fewer than 300 days to go until the event.

It is the third time that China will host the Summer World University Games after Beijing in 2001 and Shenzhen in 2011.

There are 18 sports on the programme.