I have just received the following email from the Bristish Consulate in Guangzhou.
This applies to all nationalities not only the Brits.
Greetings from the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou.
There has been an increase in passport and ID checks in the run up to the Asian Games, and that these checks are likely to continue through to the end of the games. You should ensure that you carry your original passport with you at all times, in line with our existing travel advice.
Best regards,
Consular Section
British Consulate-General Guangzhou
2/F Guangdong International Hotel
339 Huanshi Dong Lu
Guangzhou PRC 510098
Suggest that those that do not hold temp. residents permits should carry passport until end of games especially if you have a good sun tan! Not saying the police are racist but this appears to be the group that are checked more regularly than others.
The games are in November so anyone visiting between now and Christmas could be checked more often.
Willy