Chengdu World Games 2025: The Ultimate Fan’s Travel Guide

Can you feel that buzz in the air? That’s not just the summer heat—it’s the anticipation of The World Games 2025! If you love discovering unique sports, cheering on world-class athletes, and soaking up vibrant culture, then trust me, you’ll want to put Chengdu, China on your radar this August.

From August 7th to 17th, 2025, Chengdu will transform into a playground for more than 5,000 athletes from over 100 countries. The city will pulse with energy, color, and sporting brilliance—and whether you’re flying there or watching from your couch, this is an event you’ll remember for years.

Beyond the Olympics: The Spirit of The World Games

Let’s be honest, The World Games are kind of the Olympics’ cool cousin. Instead of the usual suspects, you get sports you’ve probably never seen before—think cheerleading, powerboating, flying disc, dragon boat racing, and yes, even esports! Every four years, just after the Summer Olympics, these disciplines finally get their own spotlight.

I’m a huge fan of the philosophy here: the IWGA (International World Games Association) focuses on sustainability, inclusivity, and excellence. No need for flashy new stadiums—Chengdu is using its existing arenas and a few clever temporary venues set in city parks and by shimmering lakes. That’s how you host a global event without leaving a mountain of concrete behind. Smart, right?

Chengdu Makes History

This is the very first time The World Games land in China, and only the third time in Asia since 1981. Chengdu isn’t just any city, either—this mega-metropolis knows how to throw a party. After the World University Games and the World Police and Fire Games, the locals are seasoned pros at big events. The opening ceremony?

Held at the dazzling Tianfu International Convention Center for 9,000 fans. The grand finale? Dong’an Lake Sports Park—an architectural stunner that can fit 40,000 excited spectators. I’m getting chills just thinking about it!

This edition also breaks records:

• Over 5,000 athletes and officials
• More than 100 nations represented
• A whopping 34 sports, 60 disciplines, and up to 256 medal events

And the spirit? It’s all about unity, sustainable growth, and bringing people together through sport.

What’s New & Must-See at Chengdu 2025

Ready for some surprises? For the first time, powerboating and cheerleading are part of the action (get your pompoms ready!). Para sports are stepping up with para freediving and para ju-jitsu—true proof that inclusivity is more than a buzzword here. And esports make their debut, blending digital and physical worlds in one wild ride.

Sure, a few sports are sitting this one out (no bowling, no water skiing, no roller figure skating), and sumo’s on the bench after some drama in 2022. But the dynamic lineup is what keeps The World Games so exciting and fresh—there’s always something new to cheer for.

Which Sports Will You See at The World Games 2025?

Curious what you’ll find on the schedule in Chengdu? Here’s a quick overview of some of the most exciting sports and disciplines you’ll catch at The World Games 2025. Trust me, there’s something for everyone!

The Chengdu Experience: It’s Not Just About Sports

Even if I can’t be there in person, I’m totally living vicariously through the stories, live streams, and friends who go. And if you’re lucky enough to travel, here’s how I’d plan it:

Where to Stay

Chengdu is huge, lively, and full of character. Hotels book out fast, especially around the main venues (Longquanyi, Tianfu New Area, Dong’an Lake).

• Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com are my favorite hunting grounds for comfy rooms, local guesthouses, or even sleek Chinese boutique hotels.
• Want something with a Sichuan twist? Try a traditional courtyard hotel or a riverside guesthouse—Chengdu has so many hidden gems.
• Always book with free cancellation. In a city this dynamic, flexibility is queen.

How to Get There

Flights to Chengdu are easy to compare on Kiwi.com and Momondo. You’ll most likely land at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or the slightly older Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). Both are well connected by metro and taxi, and Chengdu’s public transport is seriously modern (and cheap).

If you’re like me and crave stress-free travel, check routes and book your airport transfer in advance, especially for those late-night arrivals after a marathon of medal ceremonies.

Stay Connected (And Bypass the Great Firewall!)

Let’s talk tech! For The World Games, I’d never risk going offline:

• Grab a Saily eSIM—you can set it up at home and activate the second you land. No more airport SIM card chaos.
• Don’t forget your VPN! China’s internet is legendary for its firewalls. Without a good VPN like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, or PIA, you’ll miss out on Instagram, Google, YouTube, and more.
  (Seriously, install the VPN before you travel—thank me later.)
• Download all your festival tickets, booking confirmations, and offline maps to your phone. Powerbank in your bag is a must!

Safety, Money & Daily Life

• Most hotels and bigger shops take credit cards, but have some cash (yuan) for street food and little shops.
• Use your VPN any time you hop on public Wi-Fi (hotels, cafes, event venues).
• Street food is irresistible in Chengdu—hotpot, spicy noodles, baozi—so pack antacids if your stomach’s not used to adventure!
• Carry a reusable water bottle (it’s hot, it’s humid, and you’ll be running between venues).

Tickets & Visas: Easy Does It

The World Games tickets are up for grabs on the official site (theworldgames2025.com) and via local apps (WeChat, Alipay, Chengdu2025). Prices start as low as 30 yuan, so even budget travelers can join the action.

For visas, check early—most travelers need a tourist visa for China, and the process can take a while.
Don’t leave paperwork to the last minute (I learned that the hard way). Have digital and printed copies of everything.

Must-See Moments & Cultural Treats

• Opening Ceremony: Rumor has it they’re planning the world’s biggest hip-hop dance show—Guinness record style!
• Torch Relay: The journey starts at the Sanxingdui Museum, winds through panda sanctuaries, temples, and ancient towns—a cultural adventure on its own.
• Mascots: Yes, Chengdu has a giant panda (Shu Bao) and a golden monkey (Jin Zai) as mascots, and they’re seriously adorable.
• Sichuan Flavors: Don’t leave town without a hotpot dinner or a panda selfie.

The World Games Live: How to Watch from Anywhere

Not flying to China? You’re not missing out! For the first time ever, you can watch everything live—free—on The World Games Live platform or via the official app.

Opening and closing ceremonies, all sports, medal moments, athlete stories, daily shows, even podcasts and replays. Just sign up for a free account, grab your snacks, and binge-watch new sports all week long.

My Ultimate Chengdu 2025 Checklist

• Book flights: Kiwi.com, Momondo
• Reserve your room: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com
• Set up your eSIM: Saily (do it at home!)
• Install a VPN: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, or PIA
• Buy tickets: theworldgames2025.com or official apps
• Plan for adventure: Powerbank, water bottle, umbrella, summer layers, translation app
• Get those snacks ready: You’ll need fuel for all the streaming (and maybe some spicy noodles if you want to feel the Chengdu vibe at home!)

Final Thoughts

The World Games 2025 in Chengdu aren’t just another sports event—they’re a celebration of global unity, creativity, and pushing the limits of what’s possible. Even if you can’t make it in person, you can be part of it all, from the magic of panda mascots to the thrill of medal races.

I’ll be watching, cheering, and maybe even learning a new sport or two. Will you join me?

Anna

My name is Anna, and my daily life is a balancing act between family logistics, work responsibilities, and trying not to lose myself in the process. I cherish the moments when everything comes together – a good cup of tea, a calm morning, and our family all in one place. I'm not a perfectionist, but I do like things in order (especially in my head). I love planning trips, trying new recipes, and creating a home that feels good not just for us, but for anyone who walks through the door. And even when life gets a little chaotic, I believe that humor, openness, and love can do more than the most perfect plan ever could.

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