Nanjing Olympic Sports Center - Image 1
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Nanjing Olympic Sports Center

4.2
·38 reviews·Nan Jing Shi, China

A massive sports and entertainment complex hosting everything from record-breaking football matches to electrifying concerts and esports tournaments.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Free football pitch access

CrowdMedium
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Nanjing Olympic Sports Center - Image 1

Nanjing Olympic Sports Center

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Free football pitch access

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A massive sports and entertainment complex hosting everything from record-breaking football matches to electrifying concerts and esports tournaments.

4.2
(38 reviews)

"Huge complex with many arena, tennis courts, basketball courts, football courts, gym, shops and even starbucks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Rent a Bike

The complex is huge! A bicycle is your best friend for getting around quickly.

⚽ Book Courts in Advance

Most courts require reservations and payment. Plan ahead to secure your spot.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Su Chao Football Matches

Su Chao Football Matches

Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Stadium

Experience the electric atmosphere of China's hottest grassroots football event, drawing massive crowds and setting attendance records.

Concert Spectacles

Concert Spectacles

Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium

Witness electrifying performances from top artists, with venues capable of hosting large-scale concerts for thousands of fans.

Esports Arenas

Esports Arenas

Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium

Feel the thrill of competitive gaming at major esports events, drawing passionate fans and showcasing cutting-edge digital sports.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Vast Complex

This is a sprawling sports complex! To save time and energy, consider renting a bicycle to get around. Many facilities, like tennis courts and some football pitches, require reservations and payment. Free public basketball courts are available, and weekday mornings offer free access to a 5-a-side football court, though it's often occupied by other activities.

Language & Access

English proficiency among staff can be limited, which might pose communication challenges, especially when trying to book facilities or inquire about events. Despite hosting international teams, don't expect widespread English support. Plan ahead and consider using translation apps if needed.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Free football pitch access
Crowd
Medium
When
Event days
Why
Experience live sports & concerts
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Interview with our cute viral swimming coach, Chen Lei. You might not be aware he was a student at Cypress Sports School and now at Nanjing Sports University. He went viral for being the coach with bright trunks at Chen Jinglun Sports School and won the hearts from parents. #陈磊 #陈经纶 #china #swimming #viraltiktok
@asianmalebeauty
12.7K likes • 83.9K views

🚲 Rent a Bike

The complex is huge! A bicycle is your best friend for getting around quickly. Reddit

⚽ Book Courts in Advance

Most courts require reservations and payment. Plan ahead to secure your spot. Reddit

Join international friends in experiencing the Jiangsu Football City League! Different countries, different cultures — united by a shared love for football. On the pitch of the Jiangsu Football City League, they cheer passionately for their teams, feeling the intensity and thrill of the game.
@discovernantong
7.7K likes • 419.2K views
🔥Catch the sports fever in #Nanjing! SuChao (Jiangsu City Football League) just pulled 60,396 fans to the Olympic Sports Center. It's Chinese hottest grassroots football event this summer! Don’t miss out!Let‘s join the vibe! #HereIsNanjing #Suchao
hereisnanjing
1 likes • 152 views

🗣️ Language Barrier

English is not widely spoken. Use translation apps for easier communication. Reddit

⚽ Morning Football

Weekday mornings offer free 5-a-side football, but it's often used for other activities. Reddit

What does the "Su Chao" look like through the eyes of the international youth? Vlad, a Russian student from Nanjing Agricultural University, visited Nanjing Olympic Sports Center today to experience the passion of the ”Su Chao“ (2025 Jiangsu Provincial Urban Football League) on site. In the showdown between #Nanjing Team and #Suzhou Team, the intense offense and defense of both teams instantly ig...
inanjingjs
2 likes • 120 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Rent a Bike

The complex is huge! A bicycle is your best friend for getting around quickly. Reddit

⚽ Book Courts in Advance

Most courts require reservations and payment. Plan ahead to secure your spot. Reddit

🗣️ Language Barrier

English is not widely spoken. Use translation apps for easier communication. Reddit

⚽ Morning Football

Weekday mornings offer free 5-a-side football, but it's often used for other activities. Reddit

🎶 Concert Vibes

Check schedules for major concerts; the gymnasium hosts large-scale music events. Instagram+1

🎮 Esports Action

Catch thrilling esports tournaments like the HOK Challenger Cup. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(38 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center for its vast array of facilities and its role in hosting major sporting events like the record-breaking 'Su Chao' football league and electrifying concerts. However, challenges include limited English communication among staff and the necessity of advance reservations and payment for most courts, which can make spontaneous visits difficult.

"Huge complex with many arena, tennis courts, basketball courts, football courts, gym, shops and even starbucks. Do yourself a favor and get a bicycle if possible to get around, otherwise you will spend lots of time walking to go the facilities.

However, for almost all of the courts you will need a reservation and pay. The open the football court (5 a side) from 6am to 10:30am on weekdays for free, but instead of people playing football, there are many old people inside the pitch and do other sports...even there is lots of empty space EVERYWHERE around the stadium and facility, the people still just go to the football pitch. The security should tell them its a football pitch and not for another sports. This makes it impossible for someone to play football.

The other football pitches are being used and locked by Inter Milan and Juventus Turin. Two other pitches belong to the Jiangsu Suning Football Club. They are not for public use. Tennis courts must be rented. Two basketball courts are free to use for the public.

Four stars unfortunately, because it seems not organized and nobody over there can speak english...even they have many international teams like Juventus or Milan in there, no staff can speak english. Its a pity and makes it very hard to communicate."

Branda Cornelius

"Great facility for walking"

Todd Cramer

"huge arena"

Carsten Koch

What People Like

Huge complex with many facilities
Hosts major sports events
Vast concert venue

What People Dislike

Limited English staff
Court reservations needed
Pitches used by clubs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Nanjing Olympic Sports Center is accessible via public transport. You can take the metro to nearby stations and then a short walk or taxi. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services for convenience. TikTok

Yes, parking is available, but it can get busy, especially on event days. Arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive. Instagram

Due to its vast size, renting a bicycle is highly recommended to navigate between different facilities efficiently. Reddit

Information on internal shuttle services is not widely available. Relying on personal transport like bikes or walking is more common. Reddit

Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off at the main entrances. For specific venues within the complex, you'll need to walk or use a bicycle. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for events like football matches, concerts, and esports tournaments are typically available through official ticketing platforms or event organizers' websites. Instagram+2

While many facilities require payment, two basketball courts are free for public use. Additionally, the 5-a-side football court is free on weekday mornings, though it may be occupied by other groups. Reddit

Yes, for most courts, including tennis and specific football pitches, reservations and payment are necessary. Reddit

General access hours can vary, but the complex is active throughout the day. Specific facility hours should be checked individually. Reddit

It's best to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular events, as they may sell out. On-site purchase options might be limited. Instagram

🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience

The center boasts a wide array of facilities including football pitches, tennis courts, basketball courts, a gymnasium, and a large stadium. Reddit

Communication can be challenging as English proficiency is limited among staff, even for international events. Reddit

Yes, there are shops and dining options, including a Starbucks, within the complex. Reddit

Football matches like 'Su Chao' can draw massive crowds, setting attendance records. Concerts and esports events also attract thousands of fans. TikTokInstagram+2

The main football pitches are often used by professional clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus, and Jiangsu Suning, and are not generally available for public use. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The modern architecture of the stadium and gymnasium offers striking backdrops. Capture the energy of live events or the scale of the complex. Instagram

Photography policies can vary by event. Generally, personal use photos are allowed, but professional equipment or flash photography might be restricted. Check event-specific rules. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around large sports complexes for safety and security reasons. Always check local regulations. Instagram

Wide-angle shots capturing the stadium's scale and seating capacity are impressive. Close-ups of the field during a match or the stage during a concert can also be dynamic. Instagram

The complex is surrounded by green spaces and modern urban landscapes, offering diverse photographic opportunities beyond the main venues. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center offers a variety of sports facilities, families might find navigating the complex and accessing specific amenities challenging. The free public basketball courts are a good option for casual play. Reddit However, the need for reservations and payment for many other courts, coupled with limited English communication from staff, requires careful planning. Reddit Consider visiting during less crowded times and perhaps bringing your own entertainment if specific activities aren't pre-booked. The sheer scale of the complex might also be tiring for very young children, so a bicycle rental could be a fun way to explore together. Reddit

⚽ Football Enthusiasts

For football fans, the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center offers a chance to witness the excitement of the 'Su Chao' league, which has set attendance records and showcases passionate grassroots football. Instagram+1 However, playing football yourself might be restricted. Many pitches are reserved for professional clubs, and while a 5-a-side pitch is free on weekday mornings, it's often occupied by other groups. Reddit If you're looking to play, booking a court in advance is essential, or you might find the free basketball courts a viable alternative for some athletic activity. Reddit

🎶 Music & Esports Fans

If you're drawn to the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center for concerts or esports, you're in for a treat. The venue regularly hosts major musical acts like Will Pan, drawing large crowds to its gymnasium. Instagram It's also a key location for esports events, such as the HOK Challenger Cup, offering a thrilling competitive atmosphere. TikTokInstagram Check event schedules in advance to secure tickets, as popular events can sell out quickly. The experience promises high energy and memorable performances. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Su Chao' Phenomenon

The Jiangsu City Football League, often referred to as 'Su Chao', has become a significant grassroots football event in China, with the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Stadium serving as a key venue. These matches have drawn unprecedented crowds, with one game between Nanjing and Suzhou setting a record for amateur soccer attendance in China, attracting over 60,000 spectators. Instagram+1 This surge in popularity highlights a growing passion for football at the local level. International students and fans have also been drawn to the experience, appreciating the intense competition and vibrant atmosphere. Instagram+1

International visitors have expressed hopes of seeing China compete in the World Cup within five years, fueled by the energy of these local matches. Instagram The 'Su Chao' league represents more than just a sporting event; it's a cultural phenomenon that unites communities and fosters a deep love for the game. The sheer scale of attendance underscores the sport's widespread appeal and the potential for further growth in Chinese football. Instagram

Concerts and Esports: A Diverse Venue

Beyond sports, the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center is a versatile venue that hosts major concerts and esports tournaments. The Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium has seen performances by artists like Will Pan, drawing crowds of up to 13,000 people. Instagram These events showcase the venue's capability to deliver high-quality audio-visual experiences for large audiences. The setup for such events can be extensive, with sound systems positioned far from the stage to accommodate the vast seating capacity. Instagram

In the realm of esports, the center has hosted significant events such as the HOK Challenger Cup (Honor of Kings). TikTokInstagram These tournaments bring together professional gamers and enthusiastic fans, creating an electric atmosphere of competition. The venue's modern facilities are well-suited for the demands of large-scale esports events, providing a spectacular backdrop for intense digital battles. TikTok The presence of these diverse events highlights the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center's role as a premier entertainment hub in the region, catering to a wide range of interests from music to competitive gaming. Instagram

Navigating the Facilities and Community Use

The Nanjing Olympic Sports Center is a massive complex with numerous facilities, including football pitches, tennis courts, basketball courts, a gym, and more. Reddit However, accessing these facilities often requires planning. For most courts, reservations and payment are necessary. Reddit While two basketball courts are free for public use, and a 5-a-side football pitch is available for free on weekday mornings, its use is often dominated by older individuals engaging in other activities, making it difficult for football enthusiasts to play. Reddit

Several football pitches are dedicated to professional clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus Turin, and the Jiangsu Suning Football Club, meaning they are not open for general public access. Reddit This can be a point of frustration for those hoping to casually play football. The sheer size of the complex also means that getting around can be time-consuming, leading many to recommend renting a bicycle to save time and effort. Reddit Communication can also be a hurdle, as English is not widely spoken by staff, which can complicate inquiries and bookings. Reddit

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