China's 15th National Games will officially commence in Guangzhou on November 9 and conclude in Shenzhen on November 21, featuring an unprecedented integration of elite competition and mass participation across Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area venues, officials announced at a press conference Friday.
Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport Tong Lixin confirmed all competition venue renovations have been completed, with over half of the planned 68 test events already conducted.
The games will include 34 elite sports disciplines, expecting 15,000 athletes and 23 mass participation events, attracting approximately 11,000 competitors.
Tong said the games have adhered to the principles of green development, resource sharing, openness and connectivity, emphasizing the commitment to avoiding redundant construction.
“Over 90 percent of venues are upgraded existing facilities, significantly reducing costs while ensuring technical standards and comprehensive safety measures."
Tri-city ceremonies to showcase national unity
Wang Xi, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and deputy director of the games' organizing committee, revealed opening and closing ceremonies will feature simultaneous flag-raising and national anthem performances across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.
"The ceremonies will innovatively blend traditional Chinese culture with contemporary artistry," Wang said, noting the inclusion of martial arts, lion dances and tai chi in opening festivities and mass tug-of-war demonstrations for the closing.
Athlete delegations from all three jurisdictions will make a unified entrance, while ceremonies will integrate Lingnan cultural elements with cutting-edge technologies including AI-generated visual spectacles.
“This fusion highlights both our cultural heritage and the Greater Bay Area's dynamic integration," Wang added.
Affordable ticketing strategy
Organizers will launch a unified ticketing platform across the region in early August, with phased sales beginning late August.
Wang confirmed deliberately accessible pricing for popular events alongside a reservation system for certain competitions, ensuring broad public access.
