Imagine: a small island transformed into a dazzling stage. That is Haixinsha. It sits in the Pearl River. Haixinsha Island lies south of Zhujiang New Town. This is Guangzhou’s newly developed CBD. Haixinsha is north of Canton Tower and east of Ersha Island.
Haixinsha’s story is one of transformation. It was once a garrison and warehouse for the People’s Liberation Army. The local government decided to redevelop it. Haixinsha became the venue for the 2010 Asian Games ceremonies.
The island held a strategic spot in the new city center. It bordered the new CBD to the north. It was bordered by the Pearl River to the south. Acquiring the land wasn’t easy. The local government reportedly compensated ¥1 billion. This was in addition to allocating land to the military.
A viewing stand was erected on the western end in November 2010. It seated 35000 people. It had three tiers of seating. Haixinsha also got an APM station. A large underground complex was built. It linked directly to the CBD.
The 16th Asian Games’ opening and closing ceremonies were splendid. They were glorious. They made Haixinsha well-known. It became a resort at home and abroad.
After the Asian Games, Haixinsha transformed again. It became the Guangzhou Asian Games Park. Some facilities were preserved. These included the masts, the open-air water stage, and the grandstand. They are legacies of the Games.
The island’s future sparked debate. Initially, the government said it would be a civic square. But after the Games, it became a park. An entry fee was charged. This affected metro users. All station entrances and exits were inside the park. Public outcry led to the fee being lifted in September 2012.
The viewing stand was meant to be temporary. But in 2012, plans emerged. A real estate company wanted to turn it into a luxury hotel. It would even feature a rooftop swimming pool.
Today Haixinsha is more than just a park. It is a symbol of Guangzhou’s ambition. It shows Guangzhou’s ability to transform and innovate. As you stand here remember its past. Garrison to Games venue to park. Haixinsha continues to evolve. It reflects the dynamic spirit of Guangzhou.