April 23, 2025, marks the 200-day countdown to the 15th National Games of the People's Republic of China, set to open in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Renovations of sports venues in the Guangzhou competition zone have entered their final phase.
Guangdong Olympic Sports Center
The Guangdong Olympic Sports Center, one of China's most comprehensive and multifunctional sports complexes, was built for the 9th National Games in 2001. It has successfully hosted the opening ceremonies and competitions of major events such as the 9th National Games and the Asian Games, standing as a landmark of Guangzhou.
The renovation of the stadium is nearly complete, with acceptance and handover scheduled for the end of June this year. For the upcoming 15th National Games, the newly upgraded Olympic Sports Center will serve as the main venue for athletics, diving, and water polo events.
The Guangzhou Olympic Sports Center Swimming and Diving Hall was the primary venue for swimming and diving events during the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. It will host water polo and diving events for the 15th National Games and will subsequently serve as a national sports training base in the south.
The second floor of the stadium is fully open to the public and will function as a large-scale evacuation platform during the Games. Afterward, it will transform into an open fitness space for the community.
Energy conservation and emission reduction are also major focuses of the renovation. The stadium's original glass has been removed to create a semi-outdoor environment. By eliminating central air conditioning, the cooling load has been reduced by nearly 30%. Additionally, photovoltaic panels have been installed on the roof to harness renewable energy, cutting annual carbon emissions by nearly 200 tons.
Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre Central Stadium
Completed in 2007, the stadium features a circular dome, an alloy inner frame, and an imported shell-gloss tension membrane exterior, making it a striking landmark in the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center. It has hosted major events such as the Asia Rugby Women's Sevens qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, and the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series.
The stadium will serve as the venue for Women's U16 Football and cross-country roller skating events. It passed joint acceptance of construction and began trial operations on December 31, 2024, and has since hosted several events and concerts.
The renovation incorporates an encircling landscape design around the stadium, along with upgrades to outdoor gardens and vegetation tailored to southern climatic conditions, all aimed at highlighting Lingnan characteristics.
Moreover, advanced technologies have been integrated to create a smart sports venue. For example, the AR live navigation system allows spectators to navigate the venue using their mobile phones. Newly installed LED screens and professional acoustic systems enhance the media experience, while the standard clock system ensures the venue meets international standards.
Guangzhou Gymnasium
Completed in 2001, the gymnasium hosted the gymnastics finals of the 9th National Games and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. After 256 days of comprehensive renovation, Hall 1 will serve as the venue for Women's U18 Volleyball, trampoline gymnastics, and wheelchair basketball events at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities.
Technology is omnipresent in the gymnasium. Digital and information systems, such as 3D visual turnstiles, AR navigation, security monitoring, and light-shadow interaction, have been added. The 3D visual turnstiles at the entrance can verify identities and tickets within 0.3 seconds, while the AR navigation system provides real-time optimal routes to spectators' mobile phones. More than 2,000 AI cameras deployed throughout the venue form a "Sky Eye" network that can predict crowd congestion 15 minutes in advance and automatically trigger emergency evacuation plans.
As a model barrier-free venue for the National Games for Persons with Disabilities, the gymnasium features a service center offering sign language, voice-to-text, and 3D sign language translation services. Accessible inquiry screens and intelligent service stations inside and outside the venue provide barrier-free maps, travel guidance, and one-click emergency assistance for individuals with disabilities.
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Poster | 200-day countdown to China's 15th National Games
Photo | Yao Zhihao, Qiu Minye / Nanfang Plus
Editor | Zhou Jiajie (intern), Zhang Yuan (intern), Chen Longyan, Huang Qini, James, Shen He
