Published on
November 21, 2025
The 15th National Games of China have captured the attention of spectators and athletes alike, marking a significant milestone for the event. This year’s Games are particularly noteworthy as they are the first to be jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. This cross-border hosting has not only brought a new dimension to the sporting event but also highlighted the growing tourism potential within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), a region that is rapidly developing as a key destination for both business and leisure travelers.
A Unified Sporting Event with Tourism Impacts
Held once every four years, China’s National Games are often seen as a domestic counterpart to the Olympic Games, featuring similar sports and competitions. This year’s edition included 34 different sports, bringing together athletes from across the nation. However, the event was more than just a sporting spectacle; it also offered an opportunity to showcase the region’s tourist attractions. As the Games unfolded across the stunning venues of the Greater Bay Area, such as the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center and other iconic spots in Hong Kong and Macao, the event also served to promote the region as a desirable travel destination.
Seamless Travel Links Highlight the Region’s Accessibility
The Games not only celebrated athletic achievements but also underscored the impressive travel connectivity within the GBA. One of the most exciting events, the cycling road race, took participants on a journey across several landmarks in the region. The race started at Zhuhai Museum in Guangdong, passed through the famous Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and continued past Hong Kong International Airport and Disneyland. This course offered a visual reminder of the integrated travel infrastructure within the GBA. The bridge, which links three regions, has made cross-border travel more accessible, enabling tourists and residents to move freely between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Exploring Landmarks Through Sporting Events
For tourists, the National Games presented a rare opportunity to see some of the GBA’s most celebrated landmarks in a new light. From Hong Kong’s Disneyland to the Macao Bridge, the cycling race passed by many of the region’s key attractions, offering spectators a glimpse of what the GBA has to offer. The Games highlighted the potential for combining tourism with cultural and sporting events, making the region an even more appealing destination for those seeking both leisure and adventure. Tourists visiting the GBA can now explore these landmark locations while enjoying the region’s rich history and modern attractions.
Greater Bay Area’s Role in Tourism and Economic Growth
The Greater Bay Area continues to be a hub for both business and tourism. With its combination of thriving cities, cutting-edge infrastructure, and natural beauty, the region is drawing more visitors each year. Since the GBA was designated as a national development strategy in 2019, there has been a concerted effort to strengthen its position as a leading global destination. The National Games showcased this transformation by bringing together athletes and visitors from across the region, highlighting the importance of tourism in the broader economic development of the area.
Enhanced Travel Networks Fuel Regional Tourism
The rapid development of travel networks, such as the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, has made it easier for tourists to move between the regions of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. What once involved time-consuming border checks is now streamlined, thanks to modern transport systems that connect these regions efficiently. Travelers can now journey between these locations with ease, maximizing their time spent exploring. The interconnectivity offered by the express rail and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has created a seamless travel experience for both business and leisure tourists.
As these transport links continue to evolve, they are not only boosting tourism but also driving economic growth. Despite accounting for less than 1% of China’s land area, the GBA generates approximately one-ninth of the nation’s GDP. The synergy between tourism and the region’s economic development has helped position the GBA as one of the most important areas for international visitors.
The GBA’s Promising Future as a Tourist Hub
Looking ahead, the Greater Bay Area is on track to become an even more attractive destination for tourists. With ongoing infrastructure developments, cultural diversity, and a booming economy, the region is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory. The 15th National Games provided a powerful platform for demonstrating the area’s growth and the exciting possibilities for tourism in this dynamic region.
Image Source: AI
