The 15th National Games will conclude in Shenzhen, Guangdong on November 21. For over a century, Guangdong has been a pioneer of sports in China. Beyond the thrilling competitions, visitors can explore sites showcasing the province's rich sports history, landmark achievements, and enduring athletic spirit. As the Games spark citywide enthusiasm, it is the perfect time to explore the places that carry Guangdong's proud sports legacy.
Guangdong Sports Museum, Guangzhou (广东体育博物馆)
Opened on November 3, 2025, the Guangdong Sports Museum is located inside one of China's oldest stadiums, the Guangdong Provincial People's Stadium. Exhibitions here trace the province's sports history, elite achievements, mass participation, and evolving industry. Highlights include the Olympic gold medals won by Xian Dongmei and Pelé's New York Cosmos jersey gifted to Guangdong's athlete Rong Zhixing. Visitors can also try interactive games, virtual photo booths, or experience a panoramic screen that brings past sporting events to life.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed Mondays (except public holidays)
Address: Guangdong Provincial People's Stadium, No.18, Jiaochang West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区较场西路18号广东省人民体育场)
The Museum of Guangzhou Asian Games & Guangzhou Asian Para Games, Guangzhou (广州体育文化博物馆 (广州亚运会亚残运会博物馆))
Located in the Guangzhou Tianhe Sports Center, this is Asia's first and China's only Asian Games-themed museum. It showcases about 7,000 items, preserving relics from the 2010 Asian Games and Asian Para Games, including the sacred flame from the first Asian Para Games and the inaugural torch of the Guangzhou Asian Games. Visitors can explore over 2,000 artifacts covering all aspects of hosting the Games, from bidding to the events themselves, and feel the excitement of Guangzhou's international sporting achievements.
(Photo: Guangzhou Tianhe Fabu)
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed Mondays (except public holidays)
Address: No.299 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (广州市天河区天河路299号)
China Weightlifting Museum, Dongguan (举重博物馆)
The China Weightlifting Museum in Shilong, Dongguan, showcases the history and achievements of Chinese weightlifting. Shilong, known as China's "hometown of weightlifting," nurtured the country's first world-record–breaking weightlifter, Chen Jingkai, and its first Olympic weightlifting champion, Zeng Guoqiang.
(Photo: Dongguan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
The museum houses over 6,000 precious items, including Chen Jingkai's world-record trophy and Olympic Order, Huang Xiaoyu's gold medal from the World Weightlifting Championships, the Olympic torch from the Beijing 2008 Olympics, competition barbells from the 2008 and 2020 Olympic Games, and hand molds of more than 160 champions. Historical paintings and sculptures trace the evolution of weightlifting in China, offering visitors an engaging journey through the sport's heritage.
(Photo: Dongguan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed on Mondays
Address: Renmin Square, Shilong Town, Dongguan (东莞市石龙镇人民广场)
Meizhou Wuhua·Yuankeng Relic Scenic Area, Meizhou (梅州五华·元坑遗址景区)
Known as China's "hometown of football", Meizhou boasts a football history dating back to the 1870s. The Yuankeng Relic Scenic Area is recognized as the cradle of modern football in China. Historical records note that in 1873, German missionaries introduced football here as part of the curriculum at a local school. This marked the first time Chinese students became participants in modern football.
(Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Nestled among rolling hills and lush greenery, the scenic area features reconstructed sites such as the Zhongshu Academy, the original football field, city gates, and a mountain track. New attractions include watchtowers, statues of the pioneering missionaries, a football-themed plaza, sculptures, and cultural corridors. Visitors can relive the origins of Chinese football while enjoying a refreshing day in nature.
(Photo: Meizhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Tickets: 30 yuan
Address: Yuankeng area, Yuantan Village, Changbu Town, Wuhua County, Meizhou (梅州市五华县长布镇源潭村元坑片)
Bijiashan Sports Park, Shenzhen (笔架山体育公园)
Bijiashan Sports Park highlights Guangdong's push toward tech-enabled public fitness. Visitors can enjoy 5G smart running tracks, outdoor smart gyms, as well as football, basketball, badminton, and table tennis courts, along with yoga and other activity areas. Technology is integrated seamlessly at the park. Facial recognition on the running track provides real-time speed, calorie, and performance analysis, while AR interactive screens offer games like AR Tai Chi and fruit-slicing challenges, making exercise fun, engaging, and accessible to everyone.
(Photo: Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
(Photo: Shenzhen Municipal Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau)
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 6:00–23:00
Address: Northeast corner of the intersection of Huanggang Road and Sungang West Road, Futian District, Shenzhen (深圳市福田区皇岗路和笋岗西路交叉口东北角)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
