The medals for the 15th National Games of China Photo: VCG

Advanced technology combined with culturally rich spectacle reflecting the unique characteristics of the Greater Bay Area is set to amaze global audiences at the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games of China on November 9 in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province, executive director Meng Ke said, according to a press release on Tuesday.

The 90-minute ceremony at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center will showcase the diverse cultural heritage of southern China, featuring performances integrating Cantonese opera, Hong Kong pop music, and folk melodies, the document noted.

"We have assembled a creative team integrating experts from the Chinese mainland, and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. This ensures the ceremony possesses an international vision while being deeply rooted in Lingnan culture and reflecting the unique characteristics of the Greater Bay Area," Meng stated, adding that the preparations for the opening ceremony have shifted from "creation" to "production" status.

Wang Xi, deputy director of the Organizing Committee of the 15th National Games, also stated at a Friday press conference that the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony will kick off on August 1, with a series of themed celebration activities to be held on that occasion.

For the opening and closing ceremonies of this sports gala, emphasis will be placed on the integration of "sports plus art," using artistic means to highlight sports. For example, traditional sports such as Chinese martial arts, dragon and lion dances, and tai chi will be fully utilized. 

Rehearsals involving 4,000 to 5,000 performers from across the region have been underway over the past month, utilizing a "staggered schedule" system for efficiency. 

Meng emphasized the significant role of technology, revealing plans to deploy AI and robotics alongside enhanced broadcasting techniques to create "stunning visual effects" for television audiences unable to attend in person. 

Core stage construction, including lighting, sound systems, and rigging, is reported to be 50 percent complete.

The director revealed that music will be a focal point, with renowned composer Shu Nan appointed as music director for the National Games opening and celebrated songwriter He Muyang leading the Paralympic ceremony. 

Meng indicated that song selection, particularly for Cantonese pieces, prioritizes well-known tunes capable of evoking "strong audience resonance and empathy." Costume design is progressing, with multiple versions finalized and most now moving into the sampling phase. 

Meng highlighted innovative approaches, stating designers are incorporating luminescent materials and digital control systems into traditional textile crafts, leveraging the Greater Bay Area's technological prowess "to showcase performers' vitality and make the costumes more dynamic."

Organizers face logistical challenges from Guangzhou's summer climate, characterized by intense heat, heavy rainfall, and typhoon threats. 

Meng acknowledged the impact, noting structures often require emergency reinforcement after storms and that typhoon warnings trigger full emergency responses. To mitigate risks, advanced technologies, including sophisticated lightning strike simulation modeling, are being deployed to enhance the venue's overall lightning protection measures.

"Our current focus is on integrated rehearsals and technical debugging," Meng stated, outlining the next steps. 

"We are committed to delivering a 'simple, safe, and splendid' ceremony for the nation." 

He also stressed a commitment to "bilingual creativity," showcasing the charm of both Putonghua (Standard Chinese) and Cantonese.

A key focus of the opening ceremony remains the torch lighting method and athlete entrance procession. While the torch lighting method remains undisclosed, Meng revealed that the athlete parade will prominently feature Chinese motifs, fully embodying the national character of the Games.

In the grand finale of the opening ceremony's cultural and sports performance, Meng stated, "we will present not only the prosperous landscape of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, but also the soaring spirit and determined progress of the entire nation."

"Structures are often reinforced immediately after storms, and typhoon alerts trigger full-team mobilizations," a construction official told the Global Times on Tuesday. 

The 15th National Games of China will be jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao from November 9 to 21. It marks the first time that Hong Kong and Macao will co-host the nation's largest, highest-level sporting event since the first edition was launched in 1959, the Xinhua News Agency reported.