China's first cross-boundary National Games opens with splendor, unity

GUANGZHOU -- President Xi Jinping declared the 15th National Games open Sunday evening at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center, marking the first time the country's premier multi-sport event has been jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

The 75-minute opening ceremony blended official proceedings and cultural performances, highlighting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, one of China's most open and economically dynamic regions.

The organizers hailed the co-hosting a milestone in Games' 66-year history and a testament to the vitality of "one country, two systems" policy in sport.

At 8 pm, the ceremony began on a huge stage designed in concentric circles to symbolize unity and harmony among the three regions.

After the parade which was highlighted by a joint entry of the host delegations of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony was held in the three places.

Themed "Shared Roots, Shared Heart, Shared Dream," the performances combined the heritage and modern spirit of the Greater Bay Area through music, dance and digital technology.

Projections of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor, the Ruins of St. Paul's in Macao and Guangzhou's Canton Tower appeared during the show.

The first chapter, "Shared Roots," traced historical ties among the three regions. Dancers performed alongside intelligent robots that beat "Goudiao," a musical instrument similar to chime bells.

The second act highlighted Lingnan culture, from Cantonese opera to Wing Chun. Augmented reality elements accompanied the Guangdong Lion Dance, and VR and AR technology presented a dragon boat race.

The final segment gathered performers from across the Greater Bay Area and included an appearance by Hong Kong pop singer Andy Lau.

The Games' torch relay itself emphasized collaboration and innovation. The flame originated from combustible ice collected 1,522 meters beneath the South China Sea. In a fitting, the cauldron was lit jointly by the final torchbearers: Guangdong sprinter Su Bingtian, Hong Kong Olympic fencing champion Cheung Ka Long, and Macao Asian Games wushu gold medalist Li Yi.

Running through November 21, the Games features 34 sports and 419 events in the competitive program across 19 cities, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao.

A highlight of the National Games was the men's road cycling race, which used the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as a key part of its route. Supported by technologies such as facial recognition and drones, athletes achieved seamless and unimpeded clearance throughout the race.

The program also includes a marathon across Shenzhen and Hong Kong.