The Asian Games have spurred Guangzhou residents to behave in a more civilised manner, a municipal civic official said on Tuesday.

Zhang Youquan, Deputy Director General of Guangzhou's Municipal Office of Civility, told a press conference on Tuesday that a massive education campaign was launched shortly after the southern Chinese city won the hosting rights in 2004.

"We have been cultivating a civic, new and a harmonious society to prepare for the Asian Games," Zhang said. "Our six major areas include citizen actions, their fitness, public order, hygiene and sanitation."

The education programme focused on how to smile at spectators and competitors, learning some English expressions, sign language, "cheers for you" and a "gesture of the day".

According to an independent assessment carried out since 2009, the public civilisation index of Guangzhou is in a "continuously rising trend", said Zhang.

"The biggest reward the Asian Games will give to the city is not only the uplifting of the city, but also the promotion of social civilisation," he said.

"I am confident that our citizens will display good etiquette."

The Asian Games, featuring 42 sports and more than 10,000 athletes, will start this Saturday and end on November 27.