The Runzhou District Cultural and Sports Center, a key livelihood project focused on public welfare, officially opened to the public on September 19th. Located in the Taoyuan area, the center was created through adaptive renovation of the former Taoyuan Primary School campus, converting it into a multi-functional cultural and sports hub that supports cultural experiences, fitness activities, arts training, and exhibitions.
As a significant element of old-town renewal efforts to improve public cultural and sports services, the facility features a facade clad in reddish-brown facing bricks, deliberately echoing the red brick architectural textures of the nearby Xijindu historic district. The center's total construction area is approximately 3,637 square meters, with an additional 3,680 square meters of outdoor space.
Design principles eschew the traditional closed campus layout. The original walls and gates have been removed, transforming the internal enclosed courtyard into a semi-public gathering space open to the city. The rear grounds now host outdoor basketball courts, badminton courts, table tennis areas, and outdoor fitness equipment zones, creating an integrated indoor-outdoor experience.
Planned programming targets diverse demographics. Regular activities for middle-aged and older residents include storytelling sessions, opera performances, fitness classes, and public lectures. Youth-oriented offerings will feature art exhibitions, intangible cultural heritage workshops, book clubs, and creative exchange events, establishing the center as a versatile communal space suitable for all ages.
Meanwhile, the local Heping Road Sub-district office continues to drive broader improvements across the Taoyuan area. Efforts include clearing temporary structures and removing low-quality retail outlets to elevate the overall living environment. The Taoyuan Community has additionally developed the new "Taoyuan Li Shared Home" initiative, designated as a city-level public cultural enrichment venue for 2026.
Residents have responded enthusiastically. "Having quality sports and cultural facilities right at our doorstep makes exercising, rehearsals, and reading so convenient," said one visitor who came to sample the offerings.
Officials from the Runzhou District Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau indicated that future operations will prioritize public demand, refining facility management and continuously expanding accessible services. Plans include regular welfare-oriented events, strengthening the district's public cultural and sports brand identity, and growing the sense of belonging and fulfillment among local residents. The new platform will also amplify the promotional impact of the "Runzhou Moonlit Night" initiative, enriching urban cultural consumption scenarios and contributing to the high-quality development of old-town renewal and cultural tourism.