China's 15th National Games, set to begin in November, are poised to redefine regional collaboration as Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macao jointly host the event for the first time. Spanning 19 cities, the Games will showcase not only elite athletics but also the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's (GBA) ambitious integration goals through cutting-edge infrastructure and cross-border coordination.
Bridging Borders Through Sport
The Games will feature innovative cross-boundary events like a road-cycling race traversing Zhuhai, Macao, and Hong Kong's Lantau Island, symbolizing the GBA's "one-hour life-circle" vision. Six coordination teams are streamlining operations across port clearance, food safety, and green event management, setting new standards for interregional collaboration.
Smart Cities Take Center Stage
Guangzhou's AI-powered "city brain" platform will monitor venues in real-time, linking autonomous vehicles and inspection robots to resolve incidents within five minutes. A cloud-based management system using IoT and digital twin technology will transform traditional venue operations into 3D-controlled environments, with 85% of deployed technologies slated for post-Games urban reuse.
Cool Tech Meets Sustainable Solutions
Hong Kong's scientific contributions include electricity-free cooling garments developed by the Fok Ying Tung Research Institute, reducing heat stress for volunteers while cutting CO2 emissions. The city's navigation apps and AI systems, accounting for 40% of core Games technologies, highlight its growing role in the GBA's tech ecosystem.
Economic Synergy in Action
Macao is leveraging the event to advance its "1+4" economic diversification strategy, aligning sports with tourism, fintech, and cultural industries. Existing venues will be repurposed to support long-term goals of becoming a global leisure hub and "city of sports."
As athletes prepare for competition, the Games stand as a testament to the GBA's vision – transforming regional cooperation into a blueprint for world-class economic and technological innovation.
