Representative of the Chinese Football Association Lin Xiaohua gives a presentation during the AFC Extraordinary Congress in Paris, France, June 4, 2019. China was confirmed as the host of the AFC Asian Cup 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

--- The selection of the host cities for the 2023 Asian Cup in China has started

--- A total of 20 cities has declared interests to become host cities

--- Candidate cities will be visited by an assessment group in August and September

--- Evaluation will focus on construction of professional stadiums, youth development, football development indicators and the cities' overall development

BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The selection process for 2023 AFC Asian Cup host cities is underway, according to a notification issued by the Preparatory Office for the tournament here on Tuesday.

In June, China was confirmed as the host of the 2023 Asian Cup. As many as 20 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Dalian, have declared their interest in hosting games at what will be the 18th running of the men's AFC Asian Cup.

The notification made clear that the selection criteria will focus on construction of professional stadiums, youth development, football development indicators and the cities' overall development.

Li Ming of China (L) celebrates his goal during the 2004 Asian Cup final against Japan at the Beijing Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, on August 7, 2004. China lost to Japan 3-1. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

The first two come as mandatory commitments for the prospective cities. Besides professional stadiums, prospective host cities are required to set up youth development centers by the end of 2021, according to instructions from the Chinese Football Association (CFA).

The football development indicators cover football development at all levels, the capability of local football governing bodies, and experience in hosting international matches.

The AFC Asian Cup will serve as a launchpad to deliver a long-term footballing legacy for the host cities and for China, read a statement from the Preparatory Office of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Kids in a youth club in Kaili, a mountainous region in southwest China's Guizhou province, relax after training with a Chilean coach on July 27, 2019. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Prospective host cities will be visited by an assessment group, which will conduct field inspections in August and September. The group will determine the host cities based on a thorough evaluation of the basic conditions of the candidate cities and the overall development plan of Chinese football.

China last hosted the AFC Asian Cup in 2004, reaching the final of that tournament. At the most recent edition of the tournament earlier this year, China advanced to the quarterfinals, eventually losing 3-0 to Iran.