Guangzhou Hosts Historic National Games, Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth

Published on November 21, 2025

The 15th edition of China’s National Games concluded in November 2025. It has been one of the pinnacles of international athletes competing in world-class sports , while also displaying China’s increasing influence in the worldwide sporting arena. This year’s Games were held in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, and featured a one-of-a-kind emotional farewell, dramatic performances, and incredible feats of athleticism. This edition of the Games was more than just a sporting celebration and showcased the real value of sporting events in promoting economic development, social cohesion, and tourism in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The Emotional and Competitive Drama of the Games

On the sports field, the 15th National Games was brimming with emotion and excitement. Legends of Chinese athletics bid farewell to their careers, including shot putter Gong Lijiao, sprinter Su Bingtian, and badminton star He Bingjiao. These athletes, who have dominated international stages for years, concluded their National Games journey amid applause and tributes from fans and peers alike. Table tennis, one of China’s most beloved sports, was also full of dramatic moments, especially in the women’s singles final, where Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu—both global champions—battled it out in an intense rematch, with Wang emerging victorious this time.

The Games also witnessed new rising stars, like 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi, who dazzled the audience by bagging five medals and breaking an Asian record. With athletes like Quan Hongchan and Pan Zhanle in action, the games celebrated China’s diverse sporting talent and its continued prominence in the world of sports.

Sport as a Catalyst for Regional Integration

Beyond the field of play, the National Games also symbolized the deepening integration within China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA). The event’s seamless organization by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao highlighted China’s unique “One Country, Two Systems” policy, as these regions came together to host a major multidisciplinary event. The collaborative nature of the Games furthered ties between these regions, allowing for cultural exchanges and enhanced cooperation in hosting large-scale events.

This integration has profound implications for the region’s economic development, particularly in tourism. The success of the Games helped boost regional tourism, with over 100,000 tickets sold within a week of sales opening and total ticket sales exceeding 200,000 by September. Merchandise sales also reached a remarkable 680 million yuan (approximately $95.7 million) by mid-November, highlighting the strong commercial potential of the Games. In Guangzhou alone, local attractions rolled out the red carpet for tourists, offering nearly a million complimentary tickets to major sites, demonstrating how sport can seamlessly integrate with tourism to bolster the local economy.

A Surge in Tourism and Economic Benefits

The tourism industry saw a significant boost during the 2025 National Games, not just from sports fans but from general visitors drawn by the festivities and promotional activities around the event. The tourism revenue generated by the Games reached new heights, benefiting both local businesses and the broader region. With official reports indicating a rise in the number of visitors to the GBA, cities like Guangzhou attracted tourists eager to experience not only the sporting action but also the cultural vibrancy of the region.

For instance, many visitors flocked to Guangzhou’s local attractions, where they could take advantage of discounted or complimentary tickets. This synergy between sports and tourism is increasingly becoming a model for other cities hosting major sporting events, as seen in the growing focus on combining tourism with large-scale competitions.

China’s Rise as a Global Sporting Power

The 15th National Games reinforced China’s stature as a major player in the global sporting arena. With stellar performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, China’s commitment to elevating its status in sports is clear. But the significance of sports in China extends far beyond just Olympic glory. The nation’s sports culture is increasingly being viewed as a tool for improving public health, enhancing physical fitness, and fostering community spirit across the country.

Promoting Physical Health in Schools

One of the key areas where China’s investment in sports is yielding results is in schools. As part of a national initiative, China has implemented a policy requiring at least one physical education (PE) class per day for primary and middle school students. This initiative aims to promote better physical health and mental well-being among young people. Early results from Shenzhen, where the initiative began, show positive outcomes, including a decrease in the myopia rate among children and improvements in physical fitness scores.

This focus on health is not just limited to urban areas; rural regions are also benefiting from increased investment in sports infrastructure and opportunities for children to engage in physical activities. With China’s ambitious national plan to ensure that children receive at least two hours of physical activity per day, the impact of this initiative is expected to be far-reaching, improving the overall health of future generations.

The Role of Sports in Rural Revitalization

In addition to the national focus on youth health, sports are also playing an integral role in China’s rural revitalization efforts. The Village Super League (VSL) and Village BA basketball tournaments, particularly in Guizhou Province, have become huge attractions, both locally and nationally. These grassroots competitions have brought tourism to rural areas, creating economic opportunities for communities that were previously underdeveloped.

The Village Super League in Guizhou, for instance, attracted a staggering 11.69 million tourists in 2024, generating 78 billion views online and contributing over $13 billion in tourism revenue. Similarly, the Village BA basketball competition in Taipan Village drew 3.6 million visitors and generated 4.2 billion yuan in revenue. These events not only provide a platform for local athletes to showcase their talents but also serve as powerful tools for economic development and cultural exchange.

A Vision for Future Growth

More sports-oriented activities all over China are expected as a consequence of the success of the National Games and grassroots competition such as VSL and Village BA. The VSL organizers have also planned a rural tourism focus, in addition to aiming the competition at international football fans, for a World Cup-style event in 2028. This will bolster the expected sports-tourism rural development initiatives for the countryside.

The expanding role of sport in shaping the future of a growing China was demonstrated in many areas by the just concluded 15th National Games. The Games will economically motivate growth, improve public health, and unify the people. China is now positioned to play an even bigger role in global sports as The National Games have demonstrated that sporting activities are not just for medals, and neither is sporting for the other activities that will now complement The Nation Games. Sport is a powerful instrument for China to strategically elevate its global visibility as integrated tourism development is now possible.