Chengdu Dong'an Lake: International Events Paint Urban Vitalit
Driving into the Dong'an Lake area, one can spot from a distance the cluster of silver buildings nestled among the lakes and mountains. The 18,000-seat multi-functional stadium unfolds like a slowly drawn stage curtain. Its horizontal metal louvers glisten with a technological sheen under the sun, opening and closing gradually as the viewing angle shifts, subtly revealing the vibrant scenes inside. This new urban landmark, shaped like a "CPU", is not only a striking highlight of Chengdu's "Eastward Development" strategy but also a core venue linking international events, serving as a crucial window for Chengdu to showcase its vitality to the world.
From the gravity-defying moments of the gymnastics events at the 2023 FISU World University Games to the awarding of 16 gold medals at the 2025 World Games, Dong'an Lake Sports Park has long ceased to be a cold competition venue. On the lakeside greenway at dawn, the figures of morning exercisers complement the stadium's screens; on event days, cheers in different languages blend with the wind blowing over Longquan Mountain. Here, a ten-minute walk is all it takes to switch from "admiring lakes and mountains" to "watching world-class events"—this is presumably what a "stadium in a park" truly looks like. Such a scene is a vivid epitome of the dual development pattern of "sports and culture thriving side by side" in Chengdu's efforts to build itself into a "World Famous Sports City".
If one were to ask about the most touching sound at Dong'an Lake, it would undoubtedly be the symphony of cheers from the audience and the melody of March of the Volunteers. When athletes win medals and parade around the venue holding the national flag high, that is the unique romance of competing at home.
Beyond the stadium, the little warmth in daily details further embodies Chengdu's essence. The thoughtfulness embedded in every detail turns spectating into a comfortable experience and conveys Chengdu's professionalism and enthusiasm to the world.
In addition to the power and beauty displayed in indoor venues, outdoor competitions are equally exciting. The hosting of diverse events such as tug-of-war and drone racing is a strong testament to Chengdu's capability to hold international comprehensive sports games. Following the FISU World University Games, the 2025 World Games will make Chengdu one of the cities that have hosted two of the world's three major comprehensive sports events.
Dong'an Lake Park: A 500-meter walk from the west square of the venue leads to the lakeside. Rent a bicycle and ride along the greenway, watching egrets skimming the water surface. When tired, sit on the "City Eye" viewing platform to relax, with the clear outline of Longquan Mountain in the distance.
Photo Opportunity at the Central Square: The temporary stands for the World Games tug-of-war event have been dismantled, but traces of the games can still be found in the square. In the evening, local residents often gather here to dance, keeping the stadium's vitality alive.
Inside the Venue Tour: During non-event periods, visitors can book a tour of the multi-functional stadium to see the gymnastics equipment that witnessed gold medal moments. Sit in the audience seats and imagine the cheers echoing around you.
Quick Bites Nearby: Chengdu's featured snacks, such as steamed rice cakes and glutinous rice balls coated with brown sugar and sesame seeds (tangyou guozi), are available at volunteer service stations around the venue—sweet but not cloying.
In-Depth Food Exploration: Take Bus Route L050 to the old town of Longquanyi District. Dishes like spicy pig brain with tofu at Mingting Restaurant and cold appetizers at Huangsan Lung Slices are hidden gems favored by locals.
Public Transportation: Take the K6 or K7 BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) directly to Dong'an Lake Station. Alternatively, take Metro Line 2 to Lianshanpo Station and transfer to Bus Route L050 for a seamless journey to the venue entrance.
Self-Driving Navigation: Navigate to Huanxipo Parking Lot. A 10-minute walk from there will take you to the west square, with lake views along the way.
Best Time to Visit: Early mornings on weekends are ideal, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery—perfect for taking photos of the stadium and lake together. If attending an event, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours in advance to soak up the pre-event atmosphere.
The splendor of Dong'an Lake extends far beyond the events themselves; it reflects Chengdu's rising trajectory on the world stage. According to reports from international professional sports think tanks, Chengdu has ranked 8th globally in urban sports development. Behind this ranking lies a solid foundation built by high-standard, visually appealing, and technologically advanced venue clusters like Dong'an Lake Stadium, as well as Chengdu's clear path of advancing from "hosting events" to "boosting industries" and "developing the city".
With sports events as a medium, Chengdu is building an international exchange network. During the 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup, nearly half of the audience came from other cities in China and overseas, directly driving an economic benefit of 540 million yuan. The ITTF Mixed Team World Cup further stimulated cultural and tourism consumption of 380 million yuan, with nearly 80% of the audience being non-local. Behind these figures is Chengdu's appeal as an international consumption center city, and more importantly, a vivid practice of sports events serving as the city's "promotion ambassadors". For instance, the organizing committee of the Daegu Marathon in South Korea visited Chengdu for the Chengdu Marathon and deepened the consensus on inter-city cooperation after experiencing the Tianfu culture.
Of greater significance is that sports events are reshaping Chengdu's international image. Once known for its "leisurely and comfortable" lifestyle, the city now has injected a robust "muscular vitality" through a series of international events. This unique charm, combining cultural heritage with the spirit of perseverance, allows the world to see the development potential of cities in western China. As the silver curtain of Dong'an Lake rises again and again for the world, and as the cheers from the stadium blend with the hustle and bustle of Jinli Ancient Street, Chengdu is writing its own international story: taking sports as a bridge to embrace the world warmly.
The next time you visit Dong'an Lake, there might be a new event taking place, or it could just be an ordinary afternoon. But as long as you recall the cheers and smiles that transcended language barriers, you will understand: sports make cities more vibrant, and Chengdu is using sports events to help the world understand China better.
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