CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The story of Chongqing Sports starts from the track of Datianwan Stadium. Nowadays, it is turning to a new page. On December 6, 2019, the protection and upgrading project of the area that covered Datianwan, the Cultural Palace, and the auditorium was officially launched. Datianwan Stadium, the first Grade A stadium after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, is regarded as a sports totem of Chongqing, thus its renovation has always attracted the public. Recently, a reporter from Chongqing Morning Post found out on the spot that the stadium would restore its original view and open to the public again, and an ecological sports cultural park would be built to better tell the story of Chongqing Sports to future generations and carry forward the spirit of Chongqing Sports.

Restore its original view, and you can still go to the grandstand after the repair

On the afternoon of May 13, the weather was cool. Several surveyors were conducting surveys in Datianwan Stadium, and citizens were exercising in the National Fitness Center outside the stadium.

Due to the start of the stadium protection and utilization project, the stadium has been closed to the outside world since the end of last year, and the non-core functional buildings in the area have also been demolished. Some citizens who were exercising here asked, "Will the Datianwan stadium be demolished?"

But in fact, it will not be demolished. "It is certain that it will not be demolished. The Datianwan Stadium will be repaired and restored in accordance with its original view, and the public will be able to enter the stadium to do sports and have activities in the future." Ding Peiquan, deputy director of the Datianwan National Fitness Center, said that this year, the project of Datianwan stadium has been listed as one of the major municipal projects and one of the 100 municipal key projects of concern.

It is reported that Datianwan Stadium will be repaired in accordance with the principle of "highlighting the protection of cultural relics", and everything will be restored as it was originally constructed. For example, on both sides of the entrance of Datianwan Stadium, an iconic watchtower on one side will remain as it is. "The height of the railings on it is what it used to be, and it won't work if it's taller or shorter."

It is worth mentioning that the grandstand of Datianwan Stadium was identified as a dangerous building by the Municipal Design Institute in 2005. And it can not be used anymore except "the infield and lawn parts". however, after this renovation, the grandstand will be restored to use, and the Datianwan Stadium will be open to the public to provide fitness venues for the citizens and hold national fitness activities.

Building an ecological sports cultural park will provide a better experience

Datianwan stadium, with so many legends of Chongqing sports, also carries the role of displaying Chongqing's cultural image.

Datianwan Stadium was built in 1956 under the leadership of Marshal He Long. It was the first Grade A stadium after the founding of the People’s Republic of China and also one of the top ten buildings in Chongqing in the early days of the People’s Republic of China. It used to be the home field of League C or Super League teams such as Qianwei Huandao, Chongqing Longxin and Chongqing Lifan. It is the birthplace of Chongqing sports and has become the totem of Chongqing sports.

It is learned that in addition to the renovation project, Datianwan Stadium will also be built an ecological sports cultural park. According to the plan, through protection and upgrading, Datianwan Stadium should highlight the important buildings, form a classic public space environment, display the cultural image of Chongqing and enhance the cultural competitiveness.

Ding Peiquan said, "in the future, the outer grounds of Datianwan Stadium will be built into an ecological sports cultural park, highlighting the construction of ecological culture such as the concept of sports, creating a more comfortable fitness and leisure environment for the surrounding people, and realizing the combination of sports and environment." (Translated by Zeng Chenxi, Fathom Language Limited)