The "15th National Games, Fifteen Cities" promotional tour for China's 15th National Games concluded in Changsha, Hunan province, on September 23, ahead of the Games' opening ceremony in Guangzhou on November 9.
The closing event emphasized the partnership between Guangzhou—one of the host cities of the 15th National Games—and Changsha, which will host the 16th edition in 2029. Launched in late 2024, the campaign has spanned 18 cities over nearly a year, drawing more than two billion online interactions and covering 20,000 kilometers.
Creative urban dialogues defined the finale. Guangzhou's iconic Canton Tower was "projected" onto buildings in Changsha with the playful message: "Hey! I'm in Changsha for work," while synchronized light shows between the Pearl River in Guangzhou and the Xiangjiang River in Changsha created a shared visual spectacle. A torch relay further symbolized the passing of the Games spirit from Guangdong to Hunan.
As a host of three National Games and the 2010 Asian Games, Guangzhou is an established sports hub. Changsha, known as a "cradle of Olympic champions" such as diver Xiong Ni and gymnast Liu Xuan, is building its own Olympic Center ahead of 2029. This collaboration reinforces how major events like the National Games can drive deeper intercity and regional exchange.
The 15th National Games of China will be held from November 9 to 21, 2025, in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Guangzhou will host the opening ceremony, while Shenzhen will host the closing ceremony. The Games are divided into competitive sports and mass participation events. The competitive sports program comprises 34 major sports and 401 events, while the mass participation segment features 23 major sports and 166 events.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Guangzhou Daily
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
