Guangzhou, alongside co-hosts Hong Kong and Macau, inaugurated the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China on Sunday, November 9, 2025, cementing the Greater Bay Area’s role as a major regional sports hub. The vast multi-sport event, often referred to as China’s premier domestic competition, saw top national athletes gather for two weeks of intense competition, highlighted by high-level diplomatic meetings and a technologically advanced opening ceremony celebrating cultural synthesis.
Diplomacy and Domestic Recognition
Ahead of the highly anticipated opening, Chinese President Xi Jinping convened with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry and Honorary President for Life Thomas Bach in Guangzhou. The meeting underscores the significance of the National Games within the global sporting calendar and China’s continued commitment to athletic diplomacy. Earlier in the day, President Xi, who also holds key leadership roles within the Communist Party and Central Military Commission, honored distinguished athletes and representatives from both mass participation and elite competitive sporting units across the nation. Current Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee was also present, leading a high-level government delegation to the venue.
The National Games: Held every four years under the direction of the General Administration of Sport, the event is China’s largest and most comprehensive domestic gathering of competitive athletes, drawing competitors from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and Special Administrative Regions. This year’s edition runs until November 21 across the three co-host cities.
A Fusion of Culture and Technology
The 75-minute opening ceremony, staged at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre, was designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage and integrated development of the Greater Bay Area. Organizers implemented cutting-edge technology to appeal to younger audiences while honoring deep-rooted Lingnan traditions—the shared cultural bedrock of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Performance segments were noted for their innovative use of robotics, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content. Traditional forms were dramatically modernized; for instance, the classic lion dances incorporated AI and VR effects, while the ancient Yingge folk dances utilized holographic projections. The program featured an impressive line-up of performers, including celebrated Cantopop stars Andy Lau and Joey Yung. The formal proceedings began with the traditional parade of delegations, followed by the flag-raising ceremony and speeches from leaders representing the three co-hosting regions.
Early Successes for Hong Kong Athletes
The co-hosting role provides a major platform for Hong Kong’s leading athletes to compete against the best in the country. Hong Kong found early success when cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing successfully defended her women’s road race title, claiming the SAR’s second gold medal of the Games. Attention also focused on the Hong Kong men’s handball team, which impressed with a spirited performance before being eliminated in the semi-finals by Anhui.
Over the coming fortnight, the spotlight will turn to other top Hong Kong contenders expected to vie for medals, including Olympic champion fencer Edgar Cheung Ka-long, swimming sensation Siobhan Haughey, and tennis prodigy Coleman Wong Chak-lam. Their performances will not only reflect individual achievement but also the growing depth of elite sport development within the region. The co-hosting dynamic furthers the Greater Bay Area’s objective of enhancing integrated development across economic, social, and cultural spheres, with sport serving as a key unifier.