A child attempts to shoot a basketball at the Novice Olympic Village at Pingshan Culture Center. Photos from the organizer

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have begun, mesmerizing the world with its dazzling opening ceremony Friday. Now Shenzheners can enjoy easy sports activities at an Olympic-themed recreational space in Pingshan Culture Center’s outdoor area in Pingshan District.

Known as the Novice Olympic Village, this space, predominantly adorned in purple to echo the Paris Olympic Games running tracks, offers visitors an opportunity to partake in basketball, Frisbee, badminton and skateboarding, or take photos with various installations, immersing both children and adults in the lively atmosphere of the Paris Olympics.

A man jumps to hit a badminton smash at the Novice Olympic Village at Pingshan Culture Center.

In addition, visitors can claim beverage coupons or summer class coupons for children at the Pingshan Book City’s booth at the Pingshan Culture Center’s square. These coupons can be used in the shops in the center.

Adjacent to Pingshan Central Park, the multi-functional Pingshan Culture Center encompasses the Pingshan Library, Pingshan Art Museum, Pingshan Theater, Pingshan Exhibition Gallery, Pingshan Book City, and many dining and lifestyle stores.

People relax at the Novice Olympic Village at Pingshan Culture Center in Pingshan District. 

Exploring the Pingshan Exhibition Gallery, one can delve into the captivating “Olympic Century • Cultural Interweaving: European Culture and Arts Season,” featuring three exhibitions with a combined entrance fee of 68 yuan. Attendees can marvel at rare Olympic collections from the Benaki Museum in Greece, the distinctive roller suits designed by the French artist and performer Jean-Yves Blondeau, as well as European oil paintings spanning from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

Moreover, Thai artist Kantapon Metheekul, known as Gongkan, is exhibiting his contemporary artworks incorporating nature symbols at the “No Heart Here” exhibition at the Pingshan Art Museum, providing visitors with a unique and artistic experience.

A purple running track at the Novice Olympic Village echoes the purple running tracks in the ongoing Paris Olympic Games.

Novice Olympic Village dates: Through Aug. 25

Venue: Pingshan Culture Center’s square, Pingshan District (坪山文化聚落广场)

‘Olympic Century’ dates: Through Sept. 7

Venue: Pingshan Exhibition Gallery (坪山展览馆)

Gongkan exhibition dates: Through Oct. 8

Venue: Pingshan Art Museum (坪山美术馆)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Center Station (坪山中心站), Exit C

SkyShuttle: Line 1 to Culture Center Station (文化聚落站), Exit A