Guangzhou Gears Up for the 15th National Games: A Showcase of Innovation and Collaboration
Key Takeaways:
- Guangzhou is making comprehensive preparations for the 15th National Games, focusing on transportation, infrastructure, and accessibility.
- The Games mark a significant milestone for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, fostering regional integration and development.
- Venue renovations prioritize both the Games and long-term community benefits, incorporating energy efficiency, accessibility, and public fitness spaces.
- Cutting-edge technologies, including AI and cloud computing, are being utilized to enhance event organization, services, and safety.
- The "Guangzhou City Partner" program fosters a collaborative relationship between the city, enterprises, and individuals to support the Games and promote Guangzhou’s brand.
Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong province, is primed to host the opening of the 15th National Games, with comprehensive guarantees in place for transportation, power and water supply, food, medical support, and barrier-free access. This edition of the Games is particularly significant as it marks the first time that Hong Kong and Macao will co-host this prestigious national-level sporting event. Following the inauguration of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the release of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by the Chinese central government, the Games represent another crucial milestone in the region’s development. It is expected to bring far-reaching positive changes to the entire Pearl River Delta region.
As part of its preparations, Guangzhou has invested heavily in an urban facelift project to ensure a successful Games. This initiative encompasses 291 urban improvement projects targeting roads, gardens, rivers, neighborhoods, lighting, the overall urban appearance, and the beautification of villages. These improvements are intended to not only enhance the city’s appeal during the Games but also leave a lasting positive impact on the lives of its residents.
To cater to both the immediate needs of the Games and the city’s long-term development goals, Guangzhou has undertaken extensive renovations of 30 venues. A standout example is the Tianhe Sports Center Stadium, which has achieved remarkable energy savings and carbon reduction of over 45 percent, making it China’s first large-scale near-zero-carbon stadium. In addition to its environmental achievements, the stadium has been upgraded with an aerial circular track and a refreshed outdoor fitness track, providing enhanced shared spaces for runners and fitness enthusiasts. Other notable renovations include the Guangdong Provincial People’s Stadium, highlighting its historical significance as one of China’s oldest stadiums, and the Yuexiu Mountain Stadium, which reinforces Guangzhou’s strong soccer tradition. The Guangzhou Gymnasium now features fitness pods with virtual reality training and AI posture assessment capabilities, along with added wheelchair viewing areas and seating to improve accessibility. The Guangdong Olympic Sports Center has incorporated 39,000 square meters of new green space, while the sports center at Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center will transform into a parent-child sports park after the Games.
Guangzhou is actively working to ensure that venues and neighborhoods become lasting landmarks for public fitness and culture after the conclusion of the Games. As part of this effort, 17 cultural blocks are being built around 30 venues throughout the city. This comprehensive renovation has resulted in the addition of 150,000 square meters of green space, the improvement of 19 outdoor sports spaces, and the upgrade of 10 outdoor fitness tracks, creating an array of recreational opportunities for the public.
The application of high-tech tools is pervasive throughout all aspects of the Games, from event organization and services to venue construction and operation, as well as supporting facilities for food, accommodation, transportation, and entertainment. Cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are being extensively utilized, showcasing the seamless integration of technology and sports events. Avatar volunteers will augment traditional volunteer services by providing language assistance, while a sophisticated 10-meter precision intelligent meteorological system can deliver accurate weather forecasts every 12 minutes, ensuring the safety and success of outdoor events like sailing and marathons.
At the Guangzhou Gymnasium, AI cameras have been strategically deployed to create a "sky-eye" network that can predict crowd gathering risks 15 minutes in advance and automatically generate emergency evacuation plans. Badminton AI live broadcast cameras intelligently identify highlights such as multi-rally exchanges and smashes, enhancing the viewing experience for audiences. Furthermore, smart barrier-free stands are equipped with electronic guides and driverless vehicles to serve individuals with disabilities. Guangzhou has implemented over 20 technological innovations, including autonomous driving logistics vehicles and hydrogen emergency power supply vehicles, as well as innovative applications such as Avatar volunteers and metaverse technology-driven athlete villages.
In February, the Guangzhou city government launched the "Guangzhou City Partner" program, extending a global invitation to enterprises, institutions, and individuals eager to grow alongside the city and support the 15th National Games. This innovative program differs from traditional government-led and enterprise-sponsored models by positioning the city and its partners on equal footing, fostering a collaborative relationship. The program offers three tiers of participation: "strategic partners," "super partners," and "city dreamers," and designates "city promotion ambassadors" to create a multilevel system encompassing industries, culture, and individuals.
As of November, 29 enterprises are participating in the program through sponsorship, public welfare donations, and resource coordination. This cooperation spans key areas such as strategic consulting, digital technology, the low-altitude economy, intelligent manufacturing, finance, logistics, and cultural tourism, and includes participation from numerous Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders. The first cohort of "city promotion ambassadors," announced on October 31, comprises eight distinguished representatives from fields such as science and technology, culture, sports, and medical care. These experts, celebrities, and masters, renowned in their respective fields and deeply connected to Guangzhou, will contribute to shaping and promoting the city’s brand.
Peng Gaofeng, executive deputy director and secretary-general of the Guangzhou division executive committee of the 15th National Games, emphasized the city’s commitment to optimizing the business environment, enhancing the reputation of Guangzhou’s services, ensuring the precise implementation of policies, and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. He affirmed, "We will strive to be a trustworthy partner and give strong backing to everyone." Guangzhou, a city steeped in history and culture and renowned as a "millennium commercial capital," has a proven track record of hosting major sporting events, including the sixth and ninth National Games, the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, various table tennis and badminton competitions, and the Guangzhou Marathon, earning it the title of "city of sports."
Data indicates that Guangzhou’s sports industry has consistently exceeded 200 billion yuan ($28 billion) for three consecutive years, and total sports consumption in 2024 surpassed 63 billion yuan. In recent years, Guangzhou has been recognized as a national pilot city for promoting sports consumption and the sports economy, further solidifying its position as a vibrant hub for sports and recreation.