Chengdu World Games: cultural feast

Photo taken on Aug. 7, 2025 shows the night view of the twin towers and Jiaozi Ring pedestrian bridge in Chengdu Financial City area on the day of the opening ceremony of the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua Photo)

The Chengdu World Games is not only a sporting spectacle but also a cultural celebration brimming with international flair and Sichuan charm. At the Athletes' Village, daily cultural experiences and open-air performances showcase diverse traditions, while the Games Plaza extends the excitement into urban life through artistic displays and sports interactions. Over 2,200 athletes and guests have participated in city cultural tours...

"We've curated vibrant cultural activities to rejuvenate China’s profound traditional heritage through athletic energy, fostering global friendships and civilizational exchange," said Gao Yiqiang, Deputy Director of the Chengdu World Games Executive Committee’s Publicity Department, at an August 14 press conference on market development and cultural events.

In Zone A of the Village, "residents" can engage in calligraphy, Chinese painting, Hanfu dress trials, Tai Chi and Baduanjin practice, and herbal sachet crafting. Interactive workshops allow participants to create intangible cultural heritage crafts like bamboo weaving, New Year paintings, dough figurines, and embroidered pouches—all take-home souvenirs. Notably, from 8 to 9 PM nightly, micro-galas featuring pop music, ethnic dances, and folk performances bring Chengdu’s street art scene into the Village.

Su Bo, Deputy Director of the Village Department, noted over 900 daily participants in activities featuring intangible cultural heritage and traditional Chinese medicine. "Chinese Bridge" programs—teaching language, character writing, songs, name origins, and cuisine—attract 600+ daily visitors, while open-air performances have drawn 3,000+ attendees.

To immerse athletes and officials in Chengdu’s essence, the city designed seven cultural routes connecting 17 landmarks centered on parks, trendy districts, and local life. "Since August 3, over 2,200 participants have joined these tours," said Wang Feng of the Urban Services Department, adding that the Panda Base remains the top destination.

Additionally, the Games launched 500+ licensed products across 16 categories—toys, pins, stationery, ceramics, and daily essentials—all infused with traditional Chinese aesthetics and Sichuan cultural elements. Items like medal-shaped fridge magnets, mascot collectibles, lightweight backpacks, sports pins, and "Shubao’s Journey Through the Three Kingdoms" dolls sold out immediately, with a third restocking underway.

Moreover, originating in China, the dragon boat, a traditional Chinese sport with a history spanning millennia, made its debut as an official event at the Chengdu World Games. Against the backdrop of a city with a millennia-old legacy of water culture, the event showcased a thrilling spectacle of "a hundred boats racing," seamlessly blending traditional Chinese culture with modern sports.

Dragon boat racing began in China and has gained widespread popularity across the globe. Statistics show that there are approximately 50 million dragon boat enthusiasts worldwide, with the sport being practiced in over 90 countries and regions. In recent years, dragon boat racing has been featured as a demonstration sport at the World Games, Asian Games, and Tokyo Olympics. Its inclusion as an official event at the Chengdu World Games holds significant importance for accelerating the sport’s global expansion.

Contributed by Wang Dong, Zhou Hongshuang, Guangming Daily reporters

Translated by Zhang Zhou