The opening ceremony of China's 15th National Games took place at 20:00 on November 9 at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Guangzhou. Spectators arrived early, eager to witness the grand moment as final preparations took place on site.

Performers pose for group photos in front of the venue's media center.

Visitors take photos with the mascots of the 15th National Games.

Audiences enter the stadium as staff make final preparations.

The Huangge Qilin Dance Troupe from Guangzhou's Nansha District prepares for their performance in the opening ceremony.

Performers move props and rehearse for the show around 17:00.

The audience take photos to capture memorable moments.

Warm-up performers enter the venue and prepare for their stage appearance.

As dusk falls, the pre-show performance begins, featuring artists from 33 troupes across Guangzhou, Chaozhou, Meizhou, and Shantou.

Highlights of the pre-show performance.

Author | Huang Xinying

Photo | Nanfang Plus

Editor | Ouyang Yan, Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He