China's 15th National Games, co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, is breaking new ground in regional connectivity with innovative logistics and cross-border events designed to strengthen integration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The Games, running from November 9 to 21, mark the first multi-region hosting of the event since its inception.
Organizers revealed Saturday that the Games have introduced streamlined customs procedures to facilitate seamless movement of athletes and equipment across borders. Li Jing, a senior official with the organizing committee, emphasized the event's role as a testing ground for deeper GBA integration: "This pioneering model addresses challenges under different administrative systems while adhering to principles of 'One Country, Two Systems.'"
Key innovations include dedicated customs lanes for competition gear and simplified clearance for specialized equipment like fencing swords and racing bicycles. In a historic first, the Games will feature a men's road cycling race traversing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and a marathon connecting Shenzhen with Hong Kong.
Li noted these cross-border competitions aim to "showcase the GBA's unique strengths" while driving coordinated development. The operational model developed for the Games is expected to inform future regional cooperation initiatives, particularly in optimizing cross-strait resource allocation and emergency coordination protocols.
