Greater Bay Area Sports Centre. © 张灏 Seilaojiong
Curated by Archirev Editorial | Feature Story | Published Nov 25, 2025
Source: Zaha Hadid Architect
Photography: © 张灏 Seilaojiong and CRLand
Zaha Hadid Architects has officially announced the completion of the Greater Bay Area Sports Centre in Nansha, China, a significant architectural and infrastructural milestone for the rapidly developing Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area. This announcement follows our earlier publication on the Greater Bay Area Sports Centre as it entered its final phase of construction.
Aerial view of the completed Greater Bay Area Sports Centre. © CRLand
Set along the western bank of the Pearl River in southern Guangzhou, the 700,000m² complex serves one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing urban regions, projected to reach 100 million inhabitants by 2030. Beginning on 5 December 2025, the Centre will host its first large-scale public events with a series of four sold-out concerts, marking its debut as a premier cultural and sporting destination
Exterior view of the 60,000-seat stadium with a layered roof. © 张灏 Seilaojiong
Designed to anchor a new civic, business, and residential district, the Greater Bay Area Sports Centre integrates state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure with a 70-hectare riverside park. The development includes a 60,000-seat stadium, a 20,000-seat arena, and a 4,000-seat aquatic centre, alongside extensive training facilities, athletes’ accommodation, and outdoor facilities that support regional and national sports development programs.
Interior of the arena showcasing design and seating. © 张灏 Seilaojiong
Rooted in the architectural traditions of the Pearl River Delta, the complex’s fluid geometries echo the tapering forms of ancient sailing ships and incorporate environmental strategies from the local Lingnan vernacular. A carefully engineered roof system and a network of vertical louvres optimise shading, natural ventilation, and climatic comfort throughout the complex’s public spaces.
Riverside Park and public spaces for community use. © 张灏 Seilaojiong
As both a world-class destination for major events and a community-focused sporting hub, the Greater Bay Area Sports Centre marks a significant contribution to the region’s cultural identity and future urban development.
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