The 15th National Games of China: A Landmark Event for the Greater Bay Area

The 15th National Games of the People's Republic of China officially commenced on November 9, 2025, unfolding across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This landmark event, scheduled to conclude on November 21, 2025, represents a significant milestone as it is the first time the Games are jointly hosted by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Macao Special Administrative Region. The Games underscore China's ambition as a global sports power and serve as a powerful symbol of regional integration and shared development within the Greater Bay Area.

Historic Co-hosting and Regional Integration

The decision for Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to co-host the 15th National Games marks a historic first in the event's 66-year history. The opening ceremony, held in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, on November 9, 2025, was declared open by President Xi Jinping. The closing ceremony is slated for November 21, 2025, in Shenzhen. This collaborative hosting arrangement embodies the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework, fostering stronger institutional ties and cultural exchanges across the region. The Games' motto, 'Play for the Dreams in GBA', reflects this spirit of unity and aspiration. Furthermore, cross-boundary events, such as the road cycling race traversing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, highlight the seamless integration achieved for the event.

Scale and Scope of Competition

As China's highest-level national multi-sports event, held every four years, the 15th National Games have attracted a vast contingent of athletes. Over 14,000 professional athletes are competing in the competitive program. The Games feature a comprehensive schedule of 34 competitive sports, encompassing 419 events, alongside 23 mass participation sports with 166 events. Specific contributions from the co-hosts include:

• Guangdong Province: With 16 cities participating, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are hosting approximately 70% of the competitions.
• Hong Kong SAR: Staging eight competitive events, including fencing, basketball (men U22), track cycling, golf, handball (men), rugby sevens, triathlon, and beach volleyball, along with bowling as a mass participation event.
• Macao SAR: Hosting four competitive sports events, such as table tennis, women's volleyball, 3x3 basketball, and U18 men's basketball, in addition to karate in the mass events category.

Technological Advancements and Cultural Showcase

The 15th National Games are also showcasing cutting-edge technology and rich cultural heritage. In Guangzhou, over 300 autonomous vehicles are being utilized for venue shuttles and sanitation. Hong Kong is employing drones for 3D venue mapping to aid in precise deployments. Meanwhile, Shenzhen has seen the world's first 5G-A humanoid, 'Kuavo', complete a 100-meter relay. The opening ceremony itself was a vibrant display of Lingnan traditions, featuring the Lingnan lion dance, Cantonese opera, and dragon-boat performances, presenting the region's distinctive culture to a global audience. The Games' mascots, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, based on the Chinese white dolphin, symbolize joy, harmony, and unity. The 15th National Games are not merely a sporting spectacle but a testament to the Greater Bay Area's growing integration, technological prowess, and cultural vibrancy, setting a new precedent for national multi-sport events in China.