Xi'an International Football Center – stadium description

How does Xi’an International Football Center look in brief?

The flagship football stadium of Xi’an, China’s historic capital and a key hub on the Silk Road, seats 60,000 and was originally built for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, which ultimately did not take place in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The stadium was officially inaugurated in September 2025 during the Asian Youth Championship qualifiers.

The original design by Zaha Hadid Architects combines traditional elements of Chinese architecture with modernity. Local style is reflected in the red columns, rectangular form, and distinctive terraces, while the silvery strips on the roof and facade may evoke the futuristic look of the “new” Bernabéu.

The stands are divided into three tiers and are covered by a roof of unique, dynamic construction: its main part is a solid steel frame, while the inner section relies on a lightweight cable structure anchored by a central ring, over which a membrane is stretched.

What led to the creation of Xi’an International Football Center?

The first large, modern stadium in Xi’an was constructed between 2017 and 2020. The new Xi’an Olympic Sports Center Stadium was built in the northern part of the city, on the banks of the Bahe River. The facility features an athletics track and stands with a capacity of 60,000 spectators. It served as the main venue for the 2021 National Games of China.

Even before its completion, planning began for a second modern venue – this time designed specifically for football. The impetus came when China was awarded the rights to host the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in June 2019.

An international architectural competition was announced in November 2019. The efforts of the local authorities paid off: by the end of 2019, Xi’an had been included among the 10 host cities for the tournament.

In June 2020, the winning concept was selected, developed by the British studio Zaha Hadid Architects in collaboration with iDEA from Hong Kong and the Arcplus Institute of Shanghai Architectural Design & Research. Renderings of the new stadium were published in August 2020.

When was Xi’an International Football Center built?

The main contractor was Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation (SCEGC), and the ceremonial groundbreaking took place on 13 August 2020. The stadium was initially scheduled to be completed very quickly – it was expected to be ready by June 2022.

The ambitious timeline was not met, but the rush ultimately proved unnecessary, as in May 2022 China withdrew from hosting the 2023 AFC Asian Cup due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stadium was effectively completed by the end of 2023. Initially, no professional clubs were able to move in, and the official opening had to wait until September 2025.

When was Xi’an International Football Center inaugurated?

The new venue was inaugurated in early September 2025, when Xi’an hosted one of the qualifying tournaments for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. Three matches involving the Chinese national team were played at the new stadium.

The first of these matches – marking the official opening of the stadium – took place on 3 September 2025, when the hosts defeated Timor-Leste 2–1 in front of 23,802 spectators.

In the second match, on 6 September, China beat the Northern Mariana Islands 10–0, and in the final game on 9 September, they drew 0–0 with Australia. In the end, both Australia and China qualified for the final tournament from this group.

What are the features of Xi’an International Football Center?

Xi’an International Football Center is the first professional, football-specific stadium in northwestern China. With a seating capacity of 60,000, the stadium stands out for its highly original architecture, which blends traditional style with modern design.

The building’s form draws inspiration from temples of the Zhou and Qin dynasties. Traditional Chinese architecture is reflected in the red columns, rectangular shape, and characteristic terraces, while the silvery strips on the roof and facade give a futuristic impression, which some may associate with the “new” Bernabéu.

The southern facade, with its four levels of terraces, takes on a representative form reminiscent of an ancient temple.

The stadium intentionally opens to the south, along its shorter side, facing the Qin Mountains and the planned tallest building in Xi’an – the nearly 500-meter-tall China International Silk Road Center.

Inside, the stands are divided into three tiers, and two large LED screens are installed behind the goals. The seating on the east stand is arranged to reference one of Xi’an’s most recognizable symbols – the Bell Tower.

The spectators are covered by a roof of unusual construction: its main part consists of a solid steel frame, while the inner section is based on a lightweight cable system anchored by a central ring, over which a membrane is stretched. The overall form is unique and dynamic.

Thanks to modern technologies, the stadium can host top-level sporting and cultural events, and create spectacular choreographies – both inside and outside – using illuminated roof and façade features.

Where is Xi’an International Football Center located?

The stadium is situated on the western outskirts of Xi’an, in the newly developed Fengdong New District, approximately 20 km from the city center – a similar distance separates it from the international airport.

Nearby is the Xi’an International Football Center metro station, on Line 16, which opened in June 2023.