Xiaogan Olympic Sports Center Stadium – stadium description

What is the Xiaogan Olympic Sports Center Stadium like in brief?

The representative stadium in Xiaogan (located approx. 60 km northwest of Wuhan) was developed as the main element of the Xiaogan Olympic Sports Center complex, which also includes two indoor arenas and a swimming pool, integrated into a single building.

The complex was inaugurated during a May weekend in 2025, on the occasion of a large e-sports event (the national finals of Honor of Kings). The first major sporting event hosted by the complex will be the 17th Hubei Provincial Games, scheduled for 2026.

The facilities are located on the southeastern outskirts of the city, on the shore of Wangmu Lake. The main stadium has a capacity of 30,000 spectators and features an athletics track.

A distinctive feature of the stadium is its striking roof structure, forming two “arms” wrapping around the stands, which reference traditional costumes with long sleeves. The symbolism of the venue is linked to the legend of Dong Yong and the Seven Heavenly Maidens.

How was the Xiaogan Olympic Sports Center Stadium developed?

The first reports about plans to build a modern sports complex in Xiaogan appeared in 2021. As a result of these plans, the city was awarded the right to host the 17th Hubei Provincial Games, scheduled for 2026, which was officially approved on May 27, 2022.

Shortly thereafter, on June 6, 2022, construction of the new complex officially began. The project was delivered by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau, and the total cost of the development amounted to CNY 2.956 billion. The facilities were completed in April 2025.

When was the Xiaogan Olympic Sports Center Stadium inaugurated?

The complex, including the stadium, was inaugurated during the long May holiday from May 1 to 4, 2025, coinciding with a major cultural festival, whose centerpiece was the national finals of the popular mobile game Honor of Kings.

The festival combined the e-sports tournament with music and other attractions, drawing a large audience. It was also the first opportunity for visitors to explore the main stadium freely, although the stage and other activity zones were set up in the surrounding park areas, adjacent to the new sports arenas.

In the following months, the new stadium hosted smaller events, including a citywide sports meet for municipal offices, agencies, and institutions. Initially, the athletics track was not yet completed. The first major event in which the stadium will play a central role will be the 17th Hubei Provincial Games, scheduled for 2026.

What is the Xiaogan Olympic Sports Center Stadium like?

The stadium was designed as a multifunctional venue equipped with an athletics track. The stands form an oval ring, enhanced by a second tier along the pitch, with a total capacity of 30,000 seats. Two large video screens are installed on the curves of the stands.

A raised promenade runs around the lower tier, turning into a spacious terrace behind the northern curve.

A distinctive feature of the building is its striking, sculptural roof supported by tall columns, forming two “arms” that wrap around the stands while leaving the northern side open.

The “arms” are intended to evoke the long silk sleeves of traditional costumes used in classical Chinese dance and opera, with flowing, undulating lines loosely referencing clouds and light, woven fabrics. These motifs are a free-form reference to the legend of Dong Yong and the Seven Heavenly Maidens — Dong Yong is regarded in Xiaogan as a local cultural hero.

What is the Xiaogan Olympic Sports Center?

The stadium is the main element of the larger Xiaogan Olympic Sports Center complex. The complex also includes three indoor facilities: a sports hall with seating for 8,000 spectators, a swimming pool with a 1,500-seat grandstand, and a fitness center for various sports activities.

The three arenas are integrated into a single building, located in the northern part of the site. The halls and the main stadium are connected by a wide boulevard, which begins at the northern curve of the stadium.

The complex is situated on the southeastern outskirts of Xiaogan, on the shore of Wangmu Lake.