Nansha building named among China's Top 10 Architectural Projects

Recently, the internationally renowned architecture and design media Dezeen unveiled its 2025 list of China's Top 10 Best Architectural Projects. The Greater Bay Area Cultural and Sports Center, located in Guangzhou's Nansha district, was selected as the only entry from Guangdong province.

The Greater Bay Area Cultural and Sports Center. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

Dezeen, a prestigious UK-based online magazine for architecture and interior design, is recognized as one of the world's most influential design platforms.

Situated at the southern tip of Nansha, the center covers 0.68 square kilometers. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Architectural Design and Research Institute, its modern form draws inspiration from the hull of traditional Song dynasty (960-1279) sailing vessels. The master plan features three main venues arranged in a C-shaped layout facing the sea, symbolizing an embrace of the Greater Bay Area.

The complex includes a 60,000-seat main stadium, a 20,000-seat arena, and a 4,000-seat aquatics center. The stadium's roof, with its multi-layered folds, replicates the aesthetic of a Chinese folding fan while facilitating natural ventilation.

A defining feature is a 150-meter-wide opening in the structure, acting as a "window to the sea", framing panoramic views of the Lingding Ocean, Shenzhen's Qianhai skyline, and the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link.

Since its official opening in August 2025, the center has become a hub for major events, hosting football matches, basketball games, diving competitions, and large-scale concerts like Mayday's (a five-member band from Taiwan) 25th-anniversary tour.

It has established itself as a world-class landmark offering a unique "seaside viewing" experience, blending cultural heritage with future-facing possibilities.