Guangzhou‘s Yuexiu Mountain Stadium: A historic Venue Reborn for the 15th National Games
Guangzhou, China, is gearing up to host a significant portion of the 15th National Games and Paralympic Games. A key element of these preparations is the extensive renovation of the Yuexiu Mountain Stadium, a historic landmark with a rich sporting legacy. On January 3rd, officials announced the completion of the first phase of renovations, marking a major milestone in the Games’ preparations.
The stadium, originally built in 1926, boasts a storied past. It’s been called the “blessed place” for football in southern guangdong, having hosted numerous prestigious events, including men’s and women’s football matches during the Sixth and Ninth National Games, as well as the football matches of the 16th Asian Games. This legacy is being carefully preserved and enhanced through the current renovation project.
The renovations are not merely cosmetic; thay incorporate cutting-edge sports technology. The playing field has been completely resurfaced with Lanyin No. 3 natural grass, and a state-of-the-art, water-saving irrigation system has been installed. This system uses soil moisture and weather data for bright, automated watering, ensuring optimal field conditions. Lighting upgrades feature energy-efficient LEDs, meeting the stringent requirements of both football (Level V) and track and field (Level I) competitions.
The design philosophy behind the renovation emphasizes a harmonious blend of history and modernity. The project adheres to a principle of ”sports soul, Lingnan flavor, and international style,” aiming to create a venue that reflects both Guangzhou’s rich history and the spirit of international competition. The renovation even includes the careful restoration of the gatehouse building, using past photographs as a guide to ensure historical accuracy.
The completion of the first phase of renovations, including the acceptance and handover ceremony, signifies a smooth transition into the “hosting year.” This is a significant step, ensuring that all 19 venues planned for the Games will be ready by the end of 2024. The Yuexiu Mountain Stadium is scheduled to host the women’s under-16 football competition during the 15th National Games. Following the completion of all renovations,the stadium will be open to the public free of charge.
The accomplished completion of this project underscores Guangzhou’s commitment to hosting a world-class sporting event. The blend of historical preservation and modern technology showcases a forward-thinking approach to sports infrastructure progress, setting a potential example for other cities planning major sporting events worldwide.
Yuexiu Mountain Stadium: A Historic Facelift for the 15th National Games
Guangzhou is gearing up to host the 15th National Games and Paralympic Games in 2024. One of the key venues undergoing a significant transformation is the historic Yuexiu Mountain Stadium, a site with a rich sporting legacy dating back to 1926. We spoke with Dr. Lina chen, an urban planning and sports infrastructure specialist at the Guangzhou Institute of City Planning, to learn more about this exciting project.
senior Editor: Dr. Chen, thanks for joining us. The Yuexiu Mountain Stadium is already a beloved landmark in Guangzhou. Can you tell us about its past significance?
Dr. Lina Chen: Absolutely. It’s been called the “blessed place” for football in southern Guangdong. It’s hosted numerous prestigious events like men’s and women’s football matches during the Sixth and Ninth National Games, and even some events during the 16th Asian Games.It holds a special place in the hearts of many sports fans in Guangzhou.
Senior Editor: So, considering this history, what was the key aim of these renovations? Was it purely cosmetic, or was there more to it?
Dr. Lina Chen: Absolutely not, it’s much more than just a facelift. The project truly reflects a commitment to harmonizing history and modernity. The team behind the renovations adhered to a principle of “sports soul, Lingnan flavor, and international style.” They wanted to create a venue that not only reflects Guangzhou’s rich history but also meets the demands of modern international competition.
Senior Editor: What specific upgrades are being implemented as part of this renovation project?
Dr.Lina Chen: The renovations are quite complete. Firstly, the playing field has been completely resurfaced with Lanyin No. 3 natural grass,known for its durability and quality.
they’ve also installed a highly sophisticated, water-saving irrigation system. This system uses soil moisture and weather data for automated watering, ensuring the field is always in optimal condition. Additionally, lighting upgrades have been made with energy-efficient LEDs, meeting the strict standards for both football and track and field competitions.
Senior Editor: It sounds like technology is playing a key role in this project.How is this renovation reflecting Guangzhou’s commitment to
sustainability?
Dr. Lina Chen: That’s a grate observation. Replacing outdated lighting systems with energy-efficient LEDs is a clear win for sustainability.
The water-saving irrigation system is another excellent example. By using smart technology to optimize water usage, they are minimizing the environmental impact of maintaining the field.
Senior Editor: What can visitors expect to experience once the renovations are complete?
Dr. Lina chen: the experience will be truly unique. They will feel the historical weight of the venue while enjoying
state-of-the-art facilities.
And since they’re restoring the original gatehouse building using historical photographs, it will be a stunning blend of old and new. There’s also going to be improved accessibility and public spaces that will enhance the overall visitor experience.
Senior Editor: This all sounds wonderfully ambitious.Given the scale of the project, are the renovations on track for completion?
Dr. Lina Chen: I’m pleased to say the first phase has already been officially completed and handed over to the organizing committee. This is a major milestone, putting them well on track for completion by the end of 2024.
senior Editor: That’s wonderful news. Dr. Chen, thank you very much for offering these insights into this exciting project.
Dr. Lina Chen: My pleasure.It’s a project that has truly captured the imagination of the people of Guangzhou.