From Nov. 8 to 10, the Pingshan Sports Center Gymnasium hosted the rhythmic gymnastics competition for the 15th National Games. Fifteen teams from across China competed, offering a visual feast of strength and grace.

Wang Zilu of the Shaanxi team won the individual all-around champion, with Wang Qi of Tianjin taking silver and Li Huilin of Hebei earning bronze. In the group all-around, Sichuan finished first, followed by Shanghai and Shaanxi.

Rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around winners at the 15th National Games pose with their coaches during the awards ceremony on Nov. 10 at the Pingshan Sports Center Gymnasium. Photos by Xinhua and Pingshan Media Center.

The winning teams in the group all-around category pose during the awards ceremony on Nov. 10.

Wang Zilu of the Shaanxi team performs during the rhythmic gymnastics competition at the 15th National Games. 

“I’m very excited to watch the competition today. The performances are so beautiful,” said Christine Bubeck from Brazil, who lives in Pingshan District. “It’s a beautiful stadium and everyone is excited,” she added during the group all-around final on Nov. 10.

Onstage, athleticism and beauty dominated; behind the scenes, the efficiency and warmth of staff and volunteers made it all possible. From guiding the audience to answering questions, they provided attentive and thoughtful service to make athletes and spectators feel at home.

“We came here and everything was so smooth. The staff are very friendly — everyone is welcoming and warm,” Bubeck said.

Athletes from the Sichuan team perform in the group all-around final.

Staff check spectators’ tickets at the entrance of the Pingshan Sports Center Gymnasium.

Traffic police on duty outside the Pingshan Sports Center Gymnasium.

Since May 2024, the Pingshan Sports Center Gymnasium has undergone extensive upgrades to its sports facilities, accessibility, audiovisual systems, and smart event management. Newly installed wooden competition floors can accommodate multiple sports. Other improvements — 4K high-definition screens, a visual-identity (VI) lighting system, and a 5G-A network — support international-standard live broadcasting and enhance the on-site viewing experience.

“The venue and the environment are excellent, which really helped our athletes perform at their best. It’s been a great support for our team,” said a member of the Shanghai delegation.

“We can tell Shenzhen’s preparations are very professional; the venue and the services are impressive,” said Sui Jianshuang, coach of the Hebei team.

An aerial view of the Pingshan Sports Center Gymnasium.

A glance at the interior of the gymnasium.

Spectators watch the rhythmic gymnastics competition at the gymnasium.

On Nov. 8, qilin dances were staged outside the gymnasium to welcome guests, highlighting Pingshan’s Hakka cultural heritage. Background music for the competition featured original compositions produced at Pingshan Cultural House’s music camp, giving athletes, coaches, and audiences a sense of Pingshan and Shenzhen while enjoying the sport.

An audience member surnamed Zhou said she traveled from Fujian to watch the competition and, upon arriving by high-speed train, immediately saw National Games shuttle bus information and traffic police directing vehicles. She praised Pingshan’s organization and attention to detail.

Journalists from Hong Kong who took high-speed trains from West Kowloon reached Pingshan in about an hour. Impressed by the professional preparations and considerate services, they captured the excitement and showcased Pingshan to audiences in Hong Kong.

“The competition has concluded. We look forward to experiencing Shenzhen’s Hakka culture and exploring its major attractions,” said Hebei team coach Sui.

A qilin dance is performed outside the Pingshan Sports Center Gymnasium.

Passengers prepare to board a shuttle bus running between Jinlong Metro Station and the Pingshan Sports Center Gymnasium.

A driverless AI sanitation vehicle and a robotaxi operate on a street in Pingshan.