As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games are underway, adrenaline-pumping sports like skateboarding, climbing, and surfing captivate audiences worldwide. Wondering where to try these Olympic sports in Guangdong? Here's your guide!
Skateboarding
Skateboarding has become a symbol of urban culture. Guangdong boasts numerous unique skateparks, where you might even meet professional skaters. For instance, in Shenzhen, you can enjoy the sea breeze at Bao'an Coastal Skatepark or glide down the hills of Qiushui Mountain Park.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Recommended spots:
Guangzhou: Skatepark on the south side under the Pazhou Bridge, skatepark on the north side under Haiyin Bridge, Guangzhou University Town Skatepark
Shenzhen: 1985 Skatepark (1985滑板公园) in Futian District, OH Bay Skatepark (欢乐港湾海滨滑板营) in Bao'an District, Qiushui Mountain Park (求水山公园) in Longgang District, Shekou Skatepark (蛇口滑板场) in Nanshan District, Shenzhen Bay Sports Center (深圳湾体育中心) in Nanshan District
Foshan: Chasing Dreams Extreme Sports Park (追梦极限运动公园) in Nanhai District
Dongguan: T.O.P Extreme Sports Park (T.O.P极限运动公园)
Sport climbing
Sport climbing tests physical limits and willpower. Guangdong's climbing gyms cater to all skill levels, featuring various routes and speed climbing tracks.
(Photo: Nanhai District Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Recommended spots:
Guangzhou: Chao Ji Xian Climbing Gym (超极限攀岩馆) (3 branches in Guangzhou)
Shenzhen: Bosheng Climbing Club (博昇攀岩俱乐部), branches of Banana Climbing (香蕉攀岩), Guangming District Mass Sports Center (光明区群众体育中心)
Foshan: King Climbing Club (王者攀岩俱乐部)
Zhuhai: Banana Climbing in Xiangzhou District
Surfing
Nothing beats the thrill of surfing on a hot summer day. Guangdong's extensive coastline offers prime surfing spots like Shenzhen's Xichong Beach and Huizhou's Shuangyue Bay.
(Photo: ShenzhenWeekly)
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Recommended spots:
Shenzhen: Xichong Beach Resort (西涌海滨度假区) in Dapeng New District
Huizhou: Shuangyue Bay (双月湾) in Huidong County (comprising Daya Bay and Honghai Bay)
Swimming
With the sweltering summer heat in Guangdong, swimming is a refreshing and ideal way to stay fit.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
Recommended spots:
Guangzhou: Guangdong Olympic Centre Stadium (广东奥林匹克体育中心游泳馆), Tianhe Natatorium (天河体育中心游泳馆), Xijiao Swimming Plaza (西郊游泳场), Yuexiu Swimming Pool (越秀游泳场), etc.
Shenzhen: Bao'an Swimming Venue, Futian Sports Park, Lianhua Sports Center, Nanshan Culture and Sports Center
Fencing
Fencing's popularity has soared in recent years, with nearly 100,000 enthusiasts in Guangdong as of 2022. Guangzhou and Shenzhen boast numerous fencing clubs, some with national team athletes as coaches.
(Photo: Nanhai District Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Recommended spots:
Guangzhou: Vango Sports (万国体育) fencing clubs, Tiddly Tiger Fencing (小虎运动击剑) in Liwan District
Shenzhen: Jianshang Sports Complex (简上体育综合体), Vango Sports (万国体育) fencing clubs
Foshan: Quan Hui Hang Gym Slum (全汇航体育馆)
Equestrian
Once niche, equestrian sports are now embraced by more Guangdong residents. Many clubs in the province offer professional lessons and beginner riding experiences, with coaches to guide novices.
(Photo: Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality)
Recommended spots:
Guangzhou: Four Seas Horsemanship Club (番禺区四海马术) in Panyu District, Tianlu Equestrian Club (天麓马术俱乐部)
Shenzhen: Victoria Equestrian (维多丽亚国际马术俱乐部), William Equestrian (威廉国际马术中心), Aeou International Equestrian Academy (瑞欧国际马术学院)
Foshan: Joy Pony (骑乐马术) in Nanhai New Economic Town
Dongguan: Camelot Equestrian (金伯乐马术俱乐部), Fang Yin Equestrian Club (方胤马术俱乐部)
Reporter: Holly
Poster: Mia, Rose Lee (intern)
Editor: Will, James
