On July 8, the 30-day countdown to the 12th World Games in Chengdu, Sichuan officially began. All preparations have now entered the final sprint. From the Universiade two years ago to the upcoming World Games, Chengdu has consistently adhered to the philosophy of "hosting games, developing the city, boosting industries, and benefiting the people." The city aims to once again deliver an international-standard sports extravaganza infused with Chinese characteristics and the charm of Sichuan.

Judging by the current progress, Chengdu is ready!

Frugal and Efficient: 27 Competition Venues Near Completion

The Chengdu World Games will feature 27 competition venues across 8 competition zones. Of these, 18 venues were adapted from existing facilities with minor upgrades, and 9 were temporarily constructed near lakes and parks — no new venues were built. These 27 venues are now nearing completion, and venue inspection and acceptance work is being carried out by the respective zone committees. The central operations plans for all competition venues have been fully finalized.

In terms of competition equipment, Chengdu has followed the principle of “sponsorship first, borrow if possible, rent if needed, purchase as a last resort” to minimize procurement costs. Many of the venues' temporary buildings, tents, spectator stands, and sound systems have been rented and will be dismantled or returned after the event.

No new athletes' village has been built for the Games. Instead, two residential areas (Zone A and Zone B) have been set up using nearby hotels. Regarding services and support, all event schedules and daily competition timetables have been finalized. The core competition teams have been formed and are now operating from venue offices. To date, 24 test events across 20 major sports have been conducted.

Nearly 10,000 volunteers have been recruited, and more than 500 city volunteer service stations have been set up to assist participants and visitors.

Festive Atmosphere: Torch Relay to Be Held for the First Time

Since November last year, Chengdu has launched the “World Games in the Community” series, bringing sports right to residents’ doorsteps. Over the past 8 months, more than 600 communities have hosted 18 themed events with over 120,000 residents participating.

The “Travel with the Games” campaign brought events to cities like Leshan, Bazhong, Meishan, and Ya’an — not only showcasing Chengdu’s status as a world-class sports host city but also promoting co-hosting across the province and integrating the Games with cultural tourism and economic development in Sichuan.

In March this year, the "Love Chengdu · Welcome the Games · Get Moving" campus campaign was launched across 120 schools, promoting World Games sports such as lacrosse, flying disc, and squash.

Chengdu has also created 30 “micro venues” in community centers, youth centers, and service locations for people with disabilities. These include “knowledge corners,” mini-exhibition areas, and interactive “micro plazas” for residents to learn about and experience World Games sports, helping to build strong public engagement.

A highlight pre-Games event — the torch relay — will be held on July 26. It will take place in three cities within Sichuan: Chengdu, Deyang, and Meishan, covering a total distance of 11 km with 120 torchbearers. The flame will be lit at the Sanxingdui Museum, followed by a segmented relay through iconic landmarks such as the Jinsha Site Museum, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wuhou Shrine, Sansu Shrine, and Xinglong Lake Wetland Park.

This will be the first-ever torch relay in the history of the World Games. The official torch, named "Bamboo Dream," was unveiled on February 27 this year.

With just one month to go, the Chengdu World Games are set to open their doors to the world. Chengdu is ready — and warmly welcomes guests from near and far.