Downsizing, slashing and curtailing have been the mantras during the global economic crisis, but there's little sign of cutbacks in Guangzhou, the host city of the 16th Asian Games.
On the contrary, the metropolis is preparing for a massive, no expense-spared global public relations exercise this year.
The southern trading hub is the final stop for the Olympic caravan before it departs China after a self-indulged decade of gold medal triumph, furry mascots, slogans, epic construction, unparalleled opening ceremonies and the odd international controversy.
Guangzhou's swansong event is also set to be another spectacle of power expressed in modern stadiums and on and off the field of play.
Of course, officials know there's little point trying to upstage the untouchable Beijing Olympics.
But the Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee is determined to deliver an event to surpass the last Asian Games in Doha four years ago, which were hailed as the 'best ever'.
Guangzhou is in the throes of a massive construction and revamp project. Government bosses are decorating the streets with talismans and slogans.