Chengdu World Games to Stage Opening Ceremony in Innovative Urban Setting

The 2025 Chengdu World Games will commence with an opening ceremony unlike any other, eschewing a traditional stadium for a sprawling urban landscape. The ceremony will utilize a massive eaves gallery, a large lake, and surrounding greenery to create a unique open-air stage.

The Tianfu Eaves, a significant architectural feature of the Tianfu International Convention Center, will serve as the primary backdrop. This 430-meter-long wooden gallery is reportedly the largest single wooden structure of its kind in Asia. The open space in front of the gallery, combined with a lake spanning approximately 200,000 square meters and the surrounding greenery, will form the stage.

The opening ceremony, scheduled to begin at 8 pm during Chengdu's twilight hours, may incorporate the sunset and glowing skies. Athletes will participate in a relaxed "city walk" style parade, allowing them to experience Chengdu's atmosphere as a "park city."

The ceremony aims to reflect local culture and daily life. The torch-lighting ceremony will feature Chengdu-born athletes, utilizing a powerboat and water skiers, reflecting sports popular with local residents. Performances will showcase local urban charm and Sichuan's cultural heritage, including Sichuan Opera's face-changing stunts and archaeological discoveries.

The audience will also play a role, with some spectators watching from camping chairs along the lake shore, embodying Chengdu's relaxed atmosphere. The Tianfu Eaves area aligns with the city's inclusive nature and the World Games' focus on entertainment. The ceremony is envisioned as a "fun-filled" event, promoting unity and echoing China's vision of a community with a shared future.