Chongqing - The Chongqing Sports Museum, a project three years in the making, officially opened to the public this July. Home to more than 10,000 artifacts, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the city's profound and dynamic relationship with sports, from local passions to global Olympic glory.
A Journey from Ancient Artifacts to Olympic Glory
The museum's narrative begins with ancient history, showcasing historical weapons from the Huayan Temple. One notable piece is believed to have inspired the Demon-Subduing Staff wielded by Sha Wujing in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.
A significant portion of the exhibition is dedicated to Chongqing's Olympic legacy. The museum reveals that the city's first representative at the Games was not an athlete, but Liu Xuesong, who served as a translator for the Chinese delegation at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. The first Chongqing-born athlete to claim an Olympic gold medal was badminton star Li Xuerui, who won the women's singles title at the London 2012 Games. Ever since then, Chongqing athletes have continued to achieve great things at the Olympics, Olympic Winter Games, Paralympics, National Games, and Asian Games.
The museum's Olympic gallery is a key highlight, featuring a complete set of posters from every Summer and Winter Olympic Games. This unique collection was largely donated by Mr. Wu Jingguo, a Chongqing native and former International Olympic Committee member who played a pivotal role in China's successful bids for the Games.
Football: A Century-Long City Passion
The museum delves into the deep-rooted football culture that has captivated the city for over a century. Expositions detail how the first standard football pitch in western China was built at a Chongqing school in 1905. The city's love for the sport was further cemented by the opening of the renowned Datianwan Stadium in 1956. Key milestones, such as Chongqing Longxin's victory in the 2000 Chinese Football Association Cup and the recent promotion of Chongqing Tonglianglong to the top-flight Chinese Football Super League, are proudly showcased.
Excellence in Volleyball and Go
Beyond football, the museum honors Chongqing's contributions to other sports. It highlights local figures instrumental to the success of the legendary Chinese women's volleyball team, winners of an unprecedented "five consecutive world titles" between 1981 and 1986. In intellectual sports, the Chongqing Go Team is celebrated as a national leader, being the only team to have remained consistently in China's top-tier league since its inception, clinching the national championship nine times and nurturing world champions like Gu Li and Xie He.
An Interactive Visitor Experience
The museum offers extensive interactive exhibits where visitors can test their skills with exercises, penalty kicks, and even play Go against an AI. Virtual and augmented reality installations provide further immersive experiences. A curated selection of cultural and creative souvenirs is available for purchase.
The Chongqing Sports Museum now stands as a new cultural landmark, inviting both locals and tourists to explore the competitive spirit that has shaped this dynamic city.