The Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, nicknamed the Big Lotus due to its resemblance to a lotus flower. [Photo/WeChat account: hzsports]

Following record-breaking attendance at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, also known as the Big Lotus due to its resemblance to a blooming lotus flower, during the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on March 25, Binjiang district, where the venue is located, has unveiled a series of initiatives to enhance its status as a top cultural and sports hub.

At a March 27 press conference, Binjiang announced plans to develop the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center into Zhejiang's first 4A-rated-venue-turned-scenic spot, set to be completed in August 2025.

The project will feature a visitor center, a Torch Park, and smart facilities, offering an all-in-one experience for attendees of sporting events and concerts at the Big and Small Lotus stadiums (Small Lotus is the nickname of the tennis center near the Big Lotus).

The 2,300-square-meter visitor center will provide ticketing, immersive experiences, and tourist services, while the 10,000-sq-m Torch Park will feature a full-scale replica of the Asian Games cauldron and a digital ignition experience to relive the opening ceremony.

The Big and Small Lotus venues will begin regularly hosting concerts and sporting events in April, with Imagine Dragons and other top-tier artists set to perform. The 15th National Games tennis qualifiers are already underway, and this weekend, Binjiang's Cherry Blossom Run will take place along the scenic riverfront of Qiantang River, inviting locals and tourists to enjoy the cherry blossoms and vibrant sports culture.

Binjiang district aims to blend culture, technology, and smart innovation to establish itself as a top-tier cultural hub. As part of Hangzhou's vision to become the Silicon Valley of Paradise, the district is set to enhance its global appeal through world-class events and urban upgrades.

A bird's-eye view of the Cherry Blossom Avenue near the Qiantang River in Binjiang district. [Photo/WeChat account: hzhbwx]