The 15th National Games is set to open soon in Guangzhou, where the 38-year-old Liuyun Community in Tianhe Central Business District is being revitalized in a unique way. A 30-meter-long old wall has been transformed by artists into a "National Games Memory Gallery," connecting four sporting eras and becoming a new cultural hotspot for tourists and locals alike.

Thirty-eight years ago, the flame of the 6th National Games lit up Guangzhou, giving birth to Liuyun Community as a living landmark of the city's sports history. Now, as the 15th National Games approaches, the community has unveiled a hand-painted mural spanning decades, featuring mascots from 1987’s "Yangyang," 2001’s "Weiwei," 2010’s "Five Rams," to 2025’s "Le Rongrong." These mascots are depicted carrying torches and running forward, set against scenes of Cantonese intangible cultural heritage like lion dances and dragon boats, creating a cross-temporal dialogue between sports and culture.

Liuyun Community itself is a place rich with stories. Built in 1987 to host the 6th National Games, its name "Liuyun" (Sixth Games) reflects its origins. Over 38 years, the community has witnessed Guangzhou’s rapid urban development, evolving from a sports venue into a bustling district while preserving the city’s deep-rooted sports heritage. Located along the city’s central axis and surrounded by a mature commercial area, it has been a backdrop for numerous international and national sporting events.

This historical significance elevates the mural beyond mere art. Tianhenan Street, where Liuyun Community is located, uses painting as a medium to revive sports memories and spirit embedded in "Liuyun," blending neighborhood vitality, artistic creativity, and the theme of the National Games. The mural serves as both an artistic and communicative urban landmark, enhancing the prelude to the 15th National Games and showcasing Tianhe’s blend of historical depth and youthful energy.

"This wall is stunning—vibrant and cleverly integrating mascots from Guangzhou’s major sporting events. It makes you want to take photos," said a tourist visiting for the 15th National Games.

Beyond beautifying the neighborhood, the mural also reconstructs collective memory. During its creation, residents often stopped to watch and reminisce about past sporting events. The project highlights the role of public art in community revitalization and urban renewal. By combining the National Games theme with micro-renovations, Tianhenan Street has infused the old community with new charm through thoughtful artistic and cultural design.

As the 15th National Games nears, the mural has become one of Liuyun Community’s most popular public spaces. Residents of all ages gather here—children asking about the mascots, young people taking photos, and elders recalling the past. One wall bridges history and the present, connecting generations.