GUANGMING District welcomed a new cultural and sports pinnacle on Nov. 1 with the grand opening of the Maozhou River Sports and Arts Center, the facility among the district’s top 10 cultural and sports venues. Occupying a prime location in Gongming Subdistrict alongside the picturesque Maozhou River, the center spans approximately 17,300 square meters of land and boasts a vast construction area of around 53,000 square meters. Encompassing a blend of library facilities, art exhibitions, cultural performances, and sporting events, this multi-faceted hub caters to a wide range of interests. Visitors can partake in athletic pursuits, appreciate artistic showcases, delve into literary realms, and revel in the convenience of all-encompassing cultural and recreational amenities. Drawing inspiration from the natural allure of Maozhou River, the architecture is conceptualized around the theme of “a green leaf by the riverside.” Curved structures harmonize with the environment, symbolizing a profound link to nature, with the building’s contours mirroring the grace of a green leaf, embodying vitality and fluidity. The center is divided into three main zones: sports facilities, cultural arts spaces, and reading areas. It includes 26 commercial spaces available for rent, totaling 5,243.5 square meters, aimed to introduce upscale dining options, trendy retail outlets, cultural and sports education programs, children’s entertainment zones, unique bars, and eclectic music venues. The sports segment encompasses basketball courts, badminton facilities, a swimming pool, and a rooftop soccer field, catering to a diverse array of sports events, community fitness programs, and sports training services. Corporate team-building exercises, product launches, and exclusive gatherings can also find a home here. Noteworthy features include a basketball court with seating for 144 spectators, and 15 badminton courts that are set to merge training sessions with celebrity events. The swimming pool area is poised to offer training sessions catering to daily fitness needs and host summer and winter swimming camps. The rooftop soccer facility presents two five-a-side soccer fields, allowing local residents to revel in the joy of soccer in close proximity. In the cultural arts zone, a theater, art studios, multi-purpose rooms, and supportive amenities are in place to host concerts, chamber music performances, solo showcases, children’s theatrical productions, professional art exhibitions, and an array of cultural and arts events. The three-story reading sanctuary spans over 3,000 square meters and houses an extensive collection of books spanning various genres such as literature, history, and technology. Equipped with a 24-hour reading room and a dedicated children’s reading area, the facility offers a welcoming haven for cultural and leisure activities for all members of the community. Commencing from November 2024, the center launches a three-month opening season activities, featuring diverse events like a badminton world champions exhibition match, a table tennis tournament, a women’s basketball tournament and an adventurous youth cycling camp. An array of exhibitions, performances, and engaging activities like an innovative music painting workshop are also on the agenda. (Windy Shao) | 