A rendering of the Yuhang International Sports Center. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_af0b38edf89d]

Construction on the Yuhang International Sports Center in Hangzhou is moving ahead at rapid speed. The project, with a total investment of over 9.58 billion yuan ($1.35 billion), is scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Covering 534,000 square meters, the complex is planned around a 60,000-seat professional football stadium, an 18,000-seat multi-purpose indoor arena, and an international-standard swimming venue. Once completed, the center will host top-tier events in football, basketball, badminton, tennis, diving and swimming, while also supporting concerts, exhibitions and e-sports.

The project features several industry-leading innovations. The football stadium will use the world's largest spoke-wheel double-layer cable-mesh roof, forming China's largest all-underground sports venue complex. It will also be the first sports facility in China built across three operating metro lines.

Designed to Premier League and La Liga standards, the stadium adopts a no-track layout, meeting requirements for events such as the FIFA World Cup and AFC Champions League.

Inspired by local culture, the stadium's architecture integrates the smooth contours of Liangzhu jade and the layered lines of Jingshan Mountain tea fields. Its lightweight roof has a width of nearly 200 meters, offering spectators wider views and enhanced comfort while enabling flexible conversion between sports and large-scale performances.

The interior of the 60,000-seat professional football stadium. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_af0b38edf89d]