Chongqing—On July 17, Chongqing celebrated the opening of its landmark Sports Museum, marking a new era for the city’s sports culture and public engagement. Situated at the historic birthplace of Chongqing sports - Datianwan of Yuzhong District, the 2,000-square-meter museum forms the core of the unique “1+5” Datianwan Sports Heritage Cluster, which is made up of the museum itself and five major sports landmarks. The museum stands as both a window to a rich athletic past and a modern destination for interactive experiences.

Visitors tour the Chongqing Sports Museum on its opening day. (Photo/Qi Lansen)

Tracing a Century of Sports

The Chongqing Sports Museum brings to life over a millennium of athletic history, housing nearly 10,000 artifacts that chronicle the evolution of sports in the region. From ancient weapons of the Huayan Temple, symbolizing traditional martial values, to modern Olympic gold medals and world championship trophies, every item tells a story of courage, perseverance, and achievement.

The museum’s five thematic galleries guide visitors through key chapters of Chongqing’s sports journey, from the roots of indigenous sports to the city’s recent international successes. Iconic memorabilia, such as the gold medal from the city’s first National Games, trophies brought home by Chongqing athletes, and historic photographs, serve as powerful reminders of the city’s enduring sporting spirit.

Combining Technology and Tradition

Setting itself apart from conventional museums, the Chongqing Sports Museum uses cutting-edge technology to transform the visitor experience. More than ten interactive installations—such as a VR penalty shootout, 8D motorcycle racing, and skydiving simulations—allow guests to immerse themselves in the thrill of competition. The "Broadcast Gymnastics Time Machine" enables visitors to relive the energy of campus sports, while AI-powered Go matches offer a bridge between ancient games and artificial intelligence.

A visitor experiences VR equipment inside the museum. (Photo/Qi Lansen)

A highlight is the "Mountain City Journey" VR experience, which lets participants spar with virtual boxing champions, experience high-altitude parachuting, or race through a simulated Chongqing circuit. These innovations bring sports history off the page and into the senses, making every visit an exploration of both heritage and technology.

Inspiring Community

The museum's mission goes beyond preservation and display—it aims to ignite a passion for sports and civic engagement throughout Chongqing. Admission is free to the public, and during the opening period from July 17 to 19, multiple facilities at the neighboring Datianwan Fitness Center—including basketball courts, swimming pools, and more—are also available at no cost.

Special events, such as a “treasure hunt” for hidden gems within the museum, offer visitors the chance to win customized souvenirs and deepen their connection with Chongqing’s sporting heritage. Educational programs, creative workshops, and cultural exhibitions further reinforce the museum’s role as a hub for learning and inspiration.

Officials hope the new museum will showcase Chongqing’s proud athletic history and serve as a dynamic platform for transmitting the city’s spirit to future generations. By fusing the past and the present, tradition and innovation, the Chongqing Sports Museum is set to power the city’s journey toward a stronger, healthier, and more united community.

The Chongqing Sports Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00, and admission is free of charge (it is closed on Mondays, except for national holidays).